Bulleid Merchant Navy pacific 35011 General Steam Navigation (GSN) is now entering its next phase, after a period of disassembly and preservation of components, especially from around and within the frame.
The project has now commenced the next phase of procurement and fabrication of parts associated with the restoration of the rolling chassis and focusing Bulleid’s chain driven valve gear housed within the oil bath, which is one of the projects unique aims, as GSN is returned to Bulleid’s original condition.
The boiler and frames have now been successfully relocated to a private site near Templecombe for storage until funds are reached to place a contract with a heritage engineering company to commence work on the rolling chassis.
A new volunteer working base has been created at the Yeovil Railway Centre where their Society’s volunteers have commenced working parties and training to not only overhaul items removed from 35011 but also to fabricate new parts and assemblies commencing with the new oil bath casing for which materials have been delivered to site.
New Society members and volunteers interested in joining the working parties to become part of the project are very much welcome, no experience is required and all necessary training will be provided.
Leaky Finders have already manufactured the brand new front buffer beam, and attention has now been switched to producing the unique frame stretchers required for an original Merchant Navy.
