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These notes are largely culled from the KLR website at http://www.kirkleeslightrailway.com

2-6-2t 'Fox'

Fox was the KLR's first locomotive. Brian Taylor started building the loco before the line existed and was completed in 1990.

Technical specifications:

In mid 2004 Fox suffered an inner firebox failure. To repair the firebox entailed removing the boiler from the frames. An initial temporary fix enabled the locomotive to be placed back in traffic in mid-2004. However to help prevent a recurrence of the problem in the Autumn of 2004 the locomotive was stopped, the boiler removed and repaired at Clayton West works. Whilst the boiler was being repaired further improvements were made to the locomotive.

Valvechest and Piston valve renewal and Cylinder Insulation:

In line with the policy of gradual locomotive improvement the locomotive, originally built with slide valves, received piston valves as replacements several years ago. However these were a direct bolt-on replacement and thus were arranged with the less than ideal system of outside admission. During the work over the 2004/2005 winter and spring these valves and valve chests were removed and replaced by a new design of outside admission Porta type piston valves. The design work was undertaken with Shaun McMahon acting as consultant. Outside admission valves remain less than ideal but coupled with the hugely increased steam chest size a considerable increase in power and a reduction in coal and water consumption have been noted. To replace the outside admission valves with inside admissions would entail a total cylinder replacement and a redesign of the valvegear.

Lubrication of the piston valves has been arranged to be 'between the rings' rather than the normal 'put it in the steam chest and hope' approach. The feed from the mechanical lubricator remains proportional.

The cylinders have been (relatively) heavily insulated, much in the same manner as on FCAF No.3 'Camila'.

A view of the heavily insulated revised cylinders also showing the proportional drive to the mechanical lubricator. June 10 2005

The view from the rear shows better how the lubricator drive is arranged from the valve stem. June 10 2005

A close up of the between the rings mechanically fed lubrication. In addition to the layout of the valvegear the positioning of the feeds gives away the fact the valves are arranged for inside admission. June 10 2005

Boiler Work:

In addition to the boiler repair the set of water level test cocks have been replaced by a tubular type gauge frame and glass.

The right hand gauge frame is new. Previously there were a set of test cocks. June 10 2005

Increased Boiler Insulation:

The opportunity was taken to increase the boiler insulation. To accommodate this the side tanks have had to be pushed out a little.

Raised Cab Profile, Repositioned Side Tanks and Enlarged Coal Bunker:

To make the locomotive more comfortable to operate, and improve her appearance when coupled to the line's carriages, the cab roof height has been raised to be approximately in line with the carriage roof height. The coal bunker has also been increased in height. The side tanks have also be repositioned to suit the new arrangements.

Before and after views of fox showing the cab height changes and also the repositioning of the tanks to accommodate the increased thickness of boiler insulation. Left: April 11 2004, Right: June 11 2005

Fox in April 2004:

Fox on the turntable at Shelley. April 11 2004

Fox at the head of a train ready to set off from Shelley. April 11 2004

With the firehole door open the form of the secondary air distributor is clear. April 11 2004

A view into Fox's cab as her driver hangs up a fire iron having just cleaned the fire. April 11 2004

Clearly shown here is the KLR produced duplex air brake pump. The cylinders on this locomotive were originally fitted with slide valves. However they have now been replaced with piston valves - the valve chests were swapped leading to less than perfect steam passages. None the less it is a step up from slide valves. April 11 2004

The red item which looks more like a reverser is in fact the handbrake. April 11 2004

This shows the sand dome. The locomotive is equipped with steam sanding which has proved to be very reliable and trouble free in service. April 11 2004

The view forward from Fox approaching the KLR's one and only tunnel. April 11 2004

To help raise steam fan assistance is sometimes used. April 12 2004

Fox has a bi-directional speedometer. April 12 2004

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