Since the last update in May, work on Churchward 47XX No. 4709 is beginning to gather momentum once more with the assembly of the locomotive’s pony truck.
Currently based at Tyseley, work on 4709 has been progressing rather slowly since the pandemic began in 2020.
Fast forward five years, and most of the parts required to assemble the leading pair of wheels on the GWR heavy goods engine have all been made, except for the large counterweight yet to be joined to the frame, though construction of the front wheel set is now underway.
The pony truck is the leading pair of wheels at the front of the locomotive of the 2-8-0 wheel arrangement.
These wheels aid the locomotive when traveling to ease the transition into curves and reduce wear on the leading set of driving wheels, the pony truck is also key to providing support to the weight of the locomotive at the front end below the smokebox, with the racking plate which will mount the pony truck to the locomotives main frames, between the cylinders.
Most of the parts of the pony truck are situated between its frames and will be largely hidden from view by members of the public.
Assembly of the pony truck will be undertaken in an upside-down position to allow for better access by the works staff. All being well, the 4709 Group plans to get the locomotive wheeled in its entirety by the early part of 2026.
Responses
I am still not happy that a precious “Castle” (7027 Thornbury Castle) is being sacrificed to provide the boiler for 4709 even though the type of boiler is not quite right for a 4700. I would not mind too much if the boiler from 7027 was simply being borrowed, with a correct boiler for 4709 being manufactured subsequently. The Harry Pottef movement has already gobbled up two Halls, first 5972 and then 4920, and now seems set to gobble up 6989 as well. This makes the loss of 7027 especially unacceptable.
Me too. If they’re trying to make more locomotives then don’t get rid of one to make another. I was looking foreword to it finally returning to steam but that won’t happen anymore.