EXMOOR STEAM RAILWAY NO. 300 "MONTY" LATEST PROGRESS

March 22nd

Monty was used on it's first passenger trains today, hauling 6 of the 12 trains, everything went really well, with just a couple of adjustments needed.





March 2015

Monty has passed it's steam test, and is now able to enter service when ready.
We ran several test trains including two with six coaches, which is equivalent to four fully loaded coaches.
Monty may be seen out and about over the next couple of weeks, with entry into service planned for the Easter weekend.

Monty moved under its own power today the 26th January, we are very pleased with the even exhaust beat and smooth ride.

We are now going to wash out the boiler and look at a few niggling problems, and then we will continue tesing.

January 2015
The first fire was lit in Monty today, and taken to 100psi. We plan to take the boiler up to working pressure of 150psi in the next week or so.

November 2014

A major milestone has been achieved with the final hydraulic test, the way is now clear to light a fire in it soon

Other work carried out includes the final fitting of the nameplates, windows and completion of the air brake system.
Picture

September 2014

Much progress has been made recently, with the completion of the injector pipework, and final fitting of the tanks and setting up the nameplates.

Work has now started on the air brake system.

Picture
May 2014

As we hoped the weather improved and we fitted the cab on the 25th May
Picture
There has been a lot of work going on recently, with the boiler and ashpan being fitted to the frames.

The motion has been fitted with new pistons and rods, ready for the new valves to be manufactured.

The picture shows the boiler with the cladding fitted on 24th May.


Picture
January 2014

The new boiler for Exmoor No.300 has arrived, and is shown fitted to the frames.

We have finally chosen a name for the engine, which will be "Monty" This has local connections to Simon De Montfort whose army was massacred at the Battle of Evesham just below Evesham Vale Station.

December 2013

The boiler has now had the boiler tubes fitted, and is almost ready for it's hydraulic test, Jim & Helen will also be manufacturing the new boiler cladding, before delivering the boiler to Evesham.
Picture
November 2013

The new boiler takes shape at Jim & Helen Shackell's workshop

The fitting of the dry steam pipes and firebox are next, the boiler will then return to the welder so that the firebox can be welded in.

The boiler is due for delivery by the end of the year.
Picture
The cylinders have been refitted, and new stainless steel piston rods are being made ready for the new pistons.

Good progress is being made on the new boiler, the firebox is complete and the outer shell is being welded at present.

9th August

The cylinders have been returned, having been rebored and had the valve faces flycut and the ports trued up, The cylinders will be fitted once final painting of the frames is complete.

21st June

The air compressor has been refitted along with new chain and sprocket.

7th June 2013

The cab has been refitted to allow a start to be made on the air brake system.

28th May 2013

The brake gear has been assembled and fitted, ready for the air brake system to be fitted

The reverser has been overhauled and dismantled to be painted.

1st May 2013
Insurance company approval has now been received, and the boiler materials will be ordered shortly. Delivery is scheduled for after the summer holiday service.


19th April 2013
The frames and wheelsets have been painted, and the wheels have now been refitted along with the coupling rods.

Work on refurbishing the brake gear is underway.

A new boiler has been ordered and is scheduled for delivery in the Autumn.