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Didcot 50 ton Cowans Sheldon steam crane RS 1054
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Author:  Peter Jennings [ 24 Apr 2015, 19:21 ]
Post subject:  Didcot 50 ton Cowans Sheldon steam crane RS 1054

An update:
The boiler, still in ticket, recently underwent an annual Cold Exam, which it passed, but then failed an NDT when it was discovered that one of the seam rivets was cracked. It now looks as though the boiler may have to be removed from the crane to enable the rivet to be replaced.
That apart, a couple of dog-clutches which were stuck have been freed-up and a quote has been obtained for a new hoist rope.
It's just possible that the beast will be back in operable condition by the years's end .....

Author:  Roger Cooke [ 24 Apr 2015, 22:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Didcot 50 ton Cowans Sheldon steam crane RS 1054

Excellent news (well, apart from the rivet)!

Author:  Peter Jennings [ 20 Oct 2016, 10:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: Didcot 50 ton Cowans Sheldon steam crane RS 1054

A further update.
In addition to the seam rivet mentioned above, which necessitated the removal of the boiler and that was carried out in April last year. A more recent examination has revealed cracks between a number of the foundation ring rivets and a subsequent non-destructive test (ndt) of the boiler revealed more grooving around the foundation ring than was at first thought, together with varying degrees of thinning of the inner firebox. However, it is felt that the boiler is recoverable and work will commence in due course.
An ndt of the jib is also to be undertaken soon, particularly around areas which have clearly had welded repairs carried out in the past.
We have decided to replace the displacement lubricator with a mechanical one as, when the (severely corroded) steam pipes were removed, little sign of effective lubrication was evident. Consequently, we have also examined the cylinder bores, which, I am pleased to say, appear to be in good order.
So, my suggestion in the last update that the crane could be in steam by the year's end (2015!) was clearly a shade optimistic!
Ho, hum ... the joys of restoration!

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