Work begins on the Eccentric Strap manufacture – the first task was to obtain the blank metal and have the rough shapes flame cut then the precision machining can begin. An early task was to produce a drawing of the finished product and then plan how to get the blanks cut from the minimum size plate. In the background to the image are the eccentrics themselves that the straps must be machined to fit (these components are central to the timing of the way steam is admitted to the cylinders).The old cab is dismantled, the plate work is so badly corroded that non is reusable – as many parts as possible were salvaged, especially grab handles and the angle iron framework which was treated and is being reused - the old metal platework was kept for use as templates. Though the new platework is being prepared from original drawings we are aware that the ironwork recovered is not identical to those drawings.Heritage Lottery Grant secured – training and development projects get underway.
