5526 - Made in Germany!

The South Devon Railway has just had two important components delivered to help complete the motion of GWR 2-6-2 tank engine 5526. These are the two quadrants or expansion links to which the eccentric rods connect. The originals were  badly worn and not reusable. A deal to acquire a set of second-hand ones in replacement did not proceed when these proved to be just as badly worn.

Quotations were sought for the manufacture of new components and in the end Meiningen Locomotive Works in the former East Germany provided the best quotation. An original set of drawings were sent to Germany (suitably translated into metric!) and the new components duly arrived at Buckfastleigh on time and at the stated price. We were most impressed with the service given. The language barrier proved no problem as all communications with us were in excellent English, as were telephone and fax messages.

Meiningen Works carries out steam locomotive overhauls and in particular has the contract for the overhaul of the Hartz Mountain engines and, more recently, built the new boiler for the A1 Trust's Peppercorn "Tornado" 60163.

Links as delivered

Links fitted to engine with all rods connected