Following the refitting of the drain cocks, completion of the cab floor, some further adjustments to the spark arrestor and final checking round and oiling up this morning, the Q6 moved off from the coaling plant at Grosmont under its own power for the first time in over nine months at approx 2.30 pm today (4 July). Winter maintenance finally finished - hopefully!
It then spent the next two hours being run gently up and down the headshunt, with regular checks to make sure that all was well. The bearings remained cold, the reverser was spot on, the injectors were working fine, and just a few wisps of steam from the piston valve packing. The locomotive was disposed of at approx 5pm, and after a celebratory cup of tea, a very happy volunteer team left for home. Thanks also to Chris Williams from the MPD for his invaluable help and support throughout the day.
The latest plan is for no running in tomorrow, but a light engine run up the bank to Beckhole on Monday, followed by a run to Pickering on the rear of a service train if all goes well. So a possible entry into revenue earning service later in the week.
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