Construction Blog

Manufacturing orders have been placed with William Cook Cast Products Ltd (WCCP) for the six 6'8" Driving Wheels. These castings will be using the same wheel pattern as used for Tornado's wheels, the patterns having been loaned to us by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, whose generous help is gratefully acknowledged. The wheel pattern is being prepared in the Pattern Shop at WCCP. Each wheel will be subject to additional Non Destructive Testing (NDT) using a combination of Radiographic (X-ray) and Ultrasound Tests, once cast, to provide greater assurance and integrity in the product. The order follows recent Coupled Axlebox castings and two Cannon Axlebox castings, also by William Cook Cast Products of Sheffield.