Work on 4709 has been inching ahead, but with little new to report for some time. However, things are starting to gather pace once more.
So, exactly what has been going on?
Money; to date, the 4709 project has raised over £825,000, which is in line with our expectations. During that time, we’ve acquired many parts which are already in use, or can be reused as the (re)build progresses:
Two new cylinders
A complete new main frame and
The new rear driving wheelset. All other wheelsets have been retyred, with the journals polished and new crank pins fitted to all the driving wheels. New crank pin collars have been ordered and are already partially complete at the time of writing
After the long pause, we are now in a position to restart work towards completing the rolling chassis, beginning with front-end assembly. In this regard, we need to complete the permanent joining of the two cylinder blocks, install them into the extension frames and fit the new racking plate. This latter item is already in our possession but still to be fully machined.
We also need to machine the new centre stay, compensating beam and toggled angles and then refit the front buffer beam. Easter 2025 is our projected date for completion of this section of the work.
In the meantime, fund raising will continue, with the amount anticipated being somewhat more than the cost of the work currently being undertaken.
Work on 4709 then takes a big step forward with the setting-up of the main frames and the offer up and attachment of the extention frames and the semi-complete front end. Once in place, we will fit the refurbished horn guides and carry out final alignments.
The front end will be completed with the freezing in of the new piston liners, which have already been machined and with the fitting of the new cylinder and valve covers which are also ready to installed.
In the meantime, work is getting underway to complete the refurbishment and restoration of the pony truck, eccentric sheaves and thereafter complete the balance weights for the new rear driving wheelset.
The new trailing wheelset still needs to have its balance weights fitted, while the main driving wheelset has to have its eccentric sheaves restored and refitted. That done, the wheelsets will be ready to go under the main frames.
4709’s axle boxes have been partially restored but require completing.
New springs will be required and are already partially sponsored. These need to be ordered. New spring hangers are already in our possession.
Current estimates suggest that this work ought to be complete by the end of 2025.
Moving on.
Over the years, we have gathered together many of the things required to build/restore 4709 as a working loco, from various sources. We have been fortunate to obtain most of the inside motion for the loco which will require refurbishment but will save months of work and significant extra costs. The one big exception for the motion is the connecting and coupling rods which need to be made new. We expect to start an appeal for these items in the first half of 2026.
We also already own a part restored tender underframe which needs a new drag box and tank. The tender in question is one of those which did not go to Barry but had been used as a sludge tank at Gloucester, similar to the one which was acquired for Nunney Castle back in the 1970s. It will be necessary to construct a new tank in due course.
So, the fund raising plans for 4709 are already underway and will run until the locomotive is complete. In simple terms, our appeal is simple; give us some money and we’ll build you a great locomotive.
By any standards, that’s a good deal.
On line, donations can be made through the 4709 Web site at https://www.4709.org.uk/, or the GWS -https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/
Photographs: Mike Solaway
