Build Diary entries for January 2026

Here are the diary entries for this month. You can use the forward and backward links to see the next or previous months. Most photos taken before 2018 are small size. From 2018 onwards, most photos you see below will have a link to a full size image by clicking on the photo.

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Cab Windows
05/01/2026
	We have had a trial fit of the cab windows today. A little more easing is required. At the moment the cab is assembled with temporary bolts. Once we are happy with how everything fits together, the roof will be dismantled and sent off for blast cleaning.
Cab Work Continues
12/01/2026
	Jim was at work today cleaning up the leading edge of the cab roof. This will help us get the spectacle plates at the front of the cab to fit.On the left, Geoff can be seen measuring brake hanger bolt holes. We will need to order heavy drive, fitted bolts here.
Cab and Bogie Work
20/01/2026
	Work has continued on the cab before we strip down the roof for blast cleaning. Here Steve, Roger and Jim are at work trimming the cab roof so that the spectacle plate fits correctly. Another work activity was to ream the bolt holes for the bogie frame keeps. This short video shows Mike at work with the Asquith drill reaming the bolt holes.
Workshop Equipment
26/01/2026
	Following a Facebook "conversation" this weekend, David Walker from Chesterfield Agri Services offered an Asquith Radial Arm Drill to the project. David then generously arranged to transport the drill and its drill table to Ecclesfield. Mike - our workshop machinery specialist - thanks David for his generous donation.
Tyres arrive on Site
26/01/2026
	6 tyres for the coupled wheels arrived on site today from Railway Wheelset and Brake Ltd. These have been proof machined only in that they are 3mm oversize. They will be machined to size by the wheelset assembler. For now they will go into store. We expect the axles end February/beginning March.