NER Central Division Lever Frame

Just a quick update on the frame itself, which is going to be used in the S&D box. Inspection of the components revealed a crack in one of the stanchions (uprights that support the quadrants). This has now been delivered for a cast iron welding repair to take place as part of the Ironmongers' Trust Company grant we received.

This is also paying for a new lever pivot casting to be made: both a pattern and the casting itself, in order to replace the one that has been lost at some stage. Many thanks are due to our excellent foundry in Keighley - Leach and Thompson. Robert, Jude and the team have been able to deal with some interesting challenges and have supported us greatly with great advice.

Close up showing the cracks in the stanchion
that requires a welded repair

Matt with the stanchion on a sack Barrow,
ready to load into my poor car for transport!

Separately, a pattern has been made by Wilson Patterns of Cross Hills (many thanks to Jon for all his excellent work towards this project) for the lever catch handles: these are cast in phosphor bronze, and we only had 10 remaining on the frame. Presumably they were retained upon removal of the frame, or had previously been removed as levers were taken out of use. The pattern in question also suits cast iron lever catch handles for Stevens frames: do get in touch if you need any!

One of the catch handles,
from which a pattern was made

Once the stanchion is repaired, and delivered back to KSE, it will be cleaned up and painted, ready for installation.

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