Laurence Armstrong has sent RailAdvent an update on work that has progressed in 2021 on NG15 number 134 on the Welsh Highland Railway, and what 2022 has in store.
 
Following a hold on work due to the coronavirus pandemic, working parties resumed in April 2021, and progressed on the locomotive boiler and tender.
 
In May 2021, Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough were awarded the contract for the boiler overhaul, and by the close of the year, the firebox repairs were close to being completed, with a new forward barrel section and front tube plate in the works.
 
The fittings needed for the boiler have been overhauled and are ready for fitment as required.
 
Overhaul and assembly of the chassis has continued at Dinas.
 
The re-wheeling took place in the spring, followed by the completion of the grease lubrication system and new running boards.
 
Fabrication of a new ash pan will begin soon.
 
During the summer, the tender wheelsets were re-profiled and new bearings were manufactured at Boston Lodge Works, allowing the tender bogies to be inspected, repaired, and painted, before being reassembled in the autumn.
 
Once these were available, the underframe was mounted on them and an inspection for its repair was carried out.
 
Designs for the new cab and tender interface have been approved and the underframe will be modified during the next few working parties to suit the new design.
 
Work is continuing on the overhaul of the locomotive's braking system.
 
There is no comment at this stage on the livery for the locomotive, so the image above is just an artistic impression.
 
We can't wait to see the Mikado in steam, if you would like to help towards bringing this locomotive back to steam please consider a donation via the WHR Society website.
 
Michael Holden.