Work continues a pace on the latest restoration project at Cheddleton MPD. Owned by a group of MPD volunteers Polish built TkH tank locomotive No 2944 is now stripped down to its main components.
Having arrived from the Spa Valley Railway earlier this year, the strip down commenced in earnest two weeks ago. The aim is to have the chassis re-wheeled by early September. The main work currently underway is re-gauging the locomotive to fit the British loading gauge. This has necessitated approximately 8 " being removed.
The boiler has been shot blasted and fully NDT mapped in preparation for repairs to commence. Replacement mud hole doors sockets are on order from Poland. Pending there arrival replacement stays and a new patch are being prepared. Boiler blanks are also being made ready for a planned hydraulic test towards the end of September.