The first of the new frames plates nears the completion of the profile cutting machine at Stephenson Engineering (Manchester).

This momentous occasion is the commencement of the frame assembly programme that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our loyal members and donors.

The second frame plate will be profiled today (Friday) at Stephenson Engineering and the both plates dimensionally checked. The task of welding in the new horn guides, which are already at Stephenson’s, can then begin. This will be followed by a thorough Non Destructive Test (NDT) including Magnetic Particle testing and a Dye penetration test. This possibly all sounds very simple: but when you consider that the frame plates need to mounted vertically to allow access to both sides to allow balanced welding procedures to avoid distortion to the frame plates or horn guides, it becomes apparent that it is not so simple after all.

After this is completed the plates will then still need to be drilled, with all holes being undersize by 1/16^th of an inch, ready to go on to Ian Riley’s works for fitting of the frame stretchers.

I think it is safe to say that as of Thursday 28^th November 2013 the future of Hengist is assured. The build programme has started in earnest.

There is still time to get your name on our Frame Appeal wall of honour by becoming an individual donor, or better still if you are not already a member, please ‘Join the Clan’ and set up a regular standing order – the “Cost of a Coffee” a week would be a most valuable contribution. See our website, http://www.72010-hengist.org/index.php, for details of how to join us in our adventure. The dream is becoming a reality.

Remember:-

Together we can achieve the extraordinary.

Some great news. The horn guides have now been cast and fettled and are on their way to Stephenson Engineering. The plate for the new frames has also been delivered to Stephenson Engineering ready to be cut, profiled and the horn guides welded in.

Still in the production process :

• Second combined frame stretcher / spring hangar
• Rear combined stretcher / brake cylinder support stretcher

Other components are in the procurement stage such as the exhaust steam spider and the slide bar brackets. The plan is to manufacture all of the components together and assemble all in one go due to the number of components sharing the same frame mountings.

We still need your help! Please consider donating at https://www.72010-hengist.org/appeals any amount is gratefully received and your name will be placed on our Frame Appeal roll of honour on the website!

The website has been updated with the latest news and a new blog entry at http://www.72010-hengist.org and http://www.72010-hengist.org/blog

If anyone would like to help us to raise funds to build Hengist, here's a quick way to help - at no cost to you...

An Easy Way To Raise Funds

It’s like nectar but instead of earning points, each purchase generates a donation. So instead of going directly to a retailer’s website, go to easyfundraising first and choose the retailer you want to shop with – then everything you spend with that retailer earns a free donation for The Clan Project Building 72010 Hengist. It’s completely free to use and your shopping won’t cost you a penny more.

On average, each retailer will donate 5% of the cost of your shopping - and those donations soon mount up.

So whatever you need to buy, from your weekly grocery shop or fashion must-have, to your business travel, office supplies or mobile phone, buy it via easyfundraising and raise money for The Clan Project Building 72010 Hengist at no extra cost to you!

Please register to supporting us when you shop online -http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/theclanproject

If anyone wants to come and "Meet the Clan" members of the team will be manning our sales stall at Market Bosworth on the Battlefield Line over the coming weekend. You will find us in the goods shed.

Had a fantastic time at the GCR Gala. Weather was kind, and funds were raised. Excellent result for us and great enjoyment for the public.

If anyone wants to come and meet the Clan then we will be at the Autumn Gala at Loughborough, GCR, for all four days. I look forward to seeing you there...

After the AGM

The AGM, held in the Museum Library of the Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster was a great success. details will appear here shortly when the notes are written up.
In the meantime, if you want to come and meet the sales team we will be at Barrow Hill for the Model Rail event this weekend and at the Autumn Gala at the Great Central Railway for all four days 4,5,6 and7th  October. If anyone is around, please come and have a chat, and hopefully spend a couple of pounds - better still if you are not yet a member why not join us? New faces are always welcome.