The Train from Spain - Sponsored and Donated Components
During the restoration of the "Train from Spain", a number of components were sponsored or donated by very generous supporters. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society thank everyone who financially contribution to, what is now, Whillan Beck.
Steam Pump
The steam pump used to compress air to power the train braking system was very kindly donated.
South African Chime Whistle
Also very generously donated by a supporter from the Isle of Man was this ex-South African Railways 3-chime whistle.
Rushmore Headlamp
The Rushmore headlamp as worn by the class in Spain at the Seville exposition. This certainly adds to the locomotive's distinctive appearance.
Safety Valves
The Train From Spain's safety valves in situ atop the boiler. These were made at the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway in Kent.
Tender Paintwork
The new-build tender had its Caledonian Railway blue livery paintwork sponsored to the tune of £1,000
Smokebox Star
Our friends at the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway donated Whillan Beck's smokebox star. Whillan Beck is number 12 in the fleet and the star has 12 points to match.
Mechanical Lubricator
Mounted on the locomotive’s running boards, the mechanical lubricator uses the motion of the valve gear to pump crucial steam oil to the cylinders, which must be kept well lubricated at all times.
Brake Valve
A very visible and essential cab control for No. 8457. The brake valve is used to apply and release the train and locomotive brakes. The brake valve was sponsored by a kind supporter from the USA
Fire Bars
Though the humble fire bar may not be visible, it’s still an essential component of any locomotive. These bars hold the fire above the ashpan, allowing the spent ash to fall through the gaps. Twenty of these cast iron bars form the firegrate of Whillan Beck, withstanding temperatures of several hundred degrees in the locomotive’s firebox. 5 of the fire bars were sponsored.
Tender Brake Cylinder
A relatively standard part needed for the Air reservoir for the air braking system. River Mite, Northern Rock and River Irt also have visible tanks.
Tender Lining
No paint job would be complete without proper lining out
Shovel Plate
One of the often hidden - but essential - components of a steam locomotive is the shovel plate. This piece of metal, sculpted to fit snugly inside the coal space, maintains the lifespan of the coal bunker itself, by absorbing the strike of the shovel every time coal is taken.
