The recently-fabricated 'box-section' placed loosely in position at the front of the new bunker. This covers the sloping section of the loco mainframes which can be seen in the July update. Visible through the coal-shovelling aperture is the strengthening angle which fits underneath the the box section to compensate for the cut-out which is visible in the angle above it. The countersunk rivets here have to go through almost an inch of steel!

These lengths of angle mark the position of the longitudinal baffle. All of the new baffle plates have been removed temporarily to facilitate access.

Measuring up the angle which will be used to weld the box section
to the bunker floor.

This heavy angle goes round the inside perimeter of the water space at the bottom of the bunker. A length of the 4" base has been cut out, and the angle is being bent through 90 degrees using a 3.5" radius steel former and considerable heat. An insert will be welded in when the angle is finally shaped and bolted into place pending final riveting. Also visible here, and also bent to a 3.5" radius, is part of the butt strip which joins the upper and lower sheets at the back of the bunker at this point. The hole is one of a number by which the bunker is bolted down onto the loco frames.

Steve Morgan painting various sections of cladding for the backhead (behind the cab fittings) and for the cylinders/valve chests.