Update from Lukas Nel – 30 July 2012
We beat all the tube ends in the firebox and intend to start the hydraulic testing of the boiler on 2nd August. We set one week aside to complete the hydraulic testing of the boiler. We still need to replace the smoke box front of the locomotive boiler and fit the smoke box door before we can start repairs to the faulty injectors and the bad slipping of the locomotive.
Below are two photos of the finished product of the beating of the tube ends of the firebox side of the boiler.
We have completed the steelwork on the Lawley tender. We still do need to do some extensive repairs to the tender frames and draw gear.
Below are some photos of the plate work done to the tender.
Update - 30th July 2012
The Bloemfontein workshops have completed the riveting of the tender. Due to the heavy workload we are currently looking to expand our labour force at this facility.
Expanding tubes firebox end
Expanding the smoke box end
Further progress on the repairs of the Lawley and tender is on schedule.
Bottom half of tender renewed. Rivet holes to be drilled and tank to rivet.
Diesel fire use to anneal the Lawley locomotive tube ends.
Preparation of the tubes ready for the retube of the Lawley NG6 no 233 boiler are underway.
Diesel burner.
Annealed boiler tubes ready to use.