NEW-BUILD Riddles ‘3MT’ 2-6-2T No. 82045 became a mobile locomotive on April 17 when the frames were united with the coupled wheels for the first time at the Severn Valley Railway.
Amid biting winds and an all-pervading drizzle the frames were lifted from their concrete pad and gently manoeuvred to where the three 5ft 3in-diameter wheelsets were waiting.
Then, in a ‘textbook’ operation, the frames were lowered and the axle journals engaged with the axleboxes with no hint of drama.
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The machining of the axleboxes was completed earlier this year and, having trial fitted them on the journals, measurements were taken to confirm they fitted into the horn guides correctly. This level of planning and preparation ensured the wheeling of the loco went smoothly.
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