C17 720 close to operating under its own steam
The remaining tasks before 720 can again move under its own steam are dwindling by the day.
The hyrdostatic lubricator is in place; as are the injectors and the associated plumbing; The majority of the brake gear including the brake stand is in place.
See the C17 720 restoration page for past restoration updates. Photos : Chris Banks |
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Superheater and dry-pipe clean for C17 720
720 is getting close to completion, and the final boiler cleaning operations are taking place. The boiler was brought up to a reasonable pressure and then the regulator opened to allow steam to enter the pipes and superheater elements, giving them a really good steam clean! The level of dirt removed can be assessed in Russell's photo below.
(Photos : Top two : Chris Banks 19/11/06, bottom photo Russell Watkins "Percy Hanlon watches as the first blowout of the boiler tubes is carried out ") |
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Cladding fitted to C17 720
Dave Spillane, Phil Turner and Matt McIntosh (assisted by Warren lurkritz and Chris banks) spent four days on the cladding & boiler-bands which are now all in place. Westinghouse brake pump and stand also have been fitted.
See the C17 720 restoration page for past restoration updates. (Photos : M. McIntosh 12/8/06) |
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720 Passes Hyrdostatic Test
C17 720 successfully passed its hydrostatic test on Sunday 23 April in the presence of an inspector appointed by WHS. 180psi was held and it is planned to steam 720 at 150psi when in service.
A photo from Matt McIntosh showing 720's boiler under test - the top gauge is the boiler inspectors in k.p.a. the side gauge is Phil Turner's in p.s.i.
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C17 720 has its first firing!
C17 720 has its first fire in the firebox since the late 1960's on the 1st of October, 2005.
Although the purpose of this fire was simply to help remove built up scale and dirt within the boiler, it represents a significant step towards final operation. (The boiler was not under any pressure)
The boiler has now had two such "boil-outs" and is ready for its hydrostatic test.
The timber for the cab roof it also ready for fitment, as is the boiler cladding. The blow-down muffler and ash ejecting chute are now both installed.
Photos :
Top three : G. Cash (1/10/2005)
Cab roof : C. Banks (30/10/2005)
Cladding : J. Cash (30/10/2005)
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C17 720 Progresses Well, Boiler Ready for Testing
C17 720 is making steady progress towards completion in the Rosewood Railway's Kunkala workshop.
The gauge glasses are now in place, as well as brand-new injectors, made from castings of museum locomotives and new machined parts. More of the footplate fittings are now in place, especially items relating to the grate and ashpan.
A number of tubes in the boiler have been repaired, and the boiler will soon be ready for a, "Boil-and-clean", whereby the boiler will be brought up to temperature, but not under pressure, to remove the final remaining scale, dirt & deposits.
After this has been completed, the boiler will soon be ready for a proper steam test.
photos : J. Cash (28/8/05) |
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720 Update
Mat McIntosh and David Spillane continue working on C17 720 two days a week. Phil Turner is making pipes and taps for the ashpan water. The slides for the ashpan doors have been fitted on the boiler backhead as have the covers for the cylinders. Eric Marggraf has begun work making the cab roof. A generous donation to the Rosewood Railway Museum Fund has enabled the purchase of timber.
Photos : C. Banks (29/06/2005) |
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The Boiler is on!!!!
22 April, 2005, C17 720's frame, running-gear and boiler are again reunited. In this photo Phil Turner prepares the frame to receive the boiler.
Top Photo C. Banks
Bottom Photo : 720 in the workshop at Kunkala, 24/5/2005. J. Cash.
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Krupp crane ready to lift 720's boiler!
DL3 has placed the Krupp crane in position ready to lift C17 720's boiler (other side from shot) back onto the frame. - Sunday 17th April
Photos : C. Banks |
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720 continues towards operation
| C17 720 is getting closer to completion - the frames & running gear are complete, and the ashpan has been refitted. The next major step in the restoration is the lifting of the boiler onto the loco frames. When this is complete, the final assembly can begin. The tender is complete and has been spray painted. (photos : J. Cash) |
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Restoration of C17 720.
