This is the first newsletter of 2024!
I can only apologise for the lack of communication, but there has been little that was newsworthy to report. It has been a frustrating couple of months, NBR Darlington has been completing existing contracts, leaving little or no time for our project. Thankfully, that period has now come to an end.
In the November newsletter I wrote that we would be getting to grips with both the inside and the outside motion components this year. The design team, using early drawings where available, plus computer design and simulation techniques, have created working drawings and programs for the machinists to start production.
Materials have been purchased and several tasks sub-contracted to CNC specialists. Funding from the Mountaineers and the reserve fund allows us to “get on with it”.
I have drawn a table of the current components in the manufacturing process, there are several more parts to design before we complete the motion. This means I will be relying on your generosity to help financially.
| Part | Drawing | Materials Bought | Labour Funded | Complete |
| Eccentric Core | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eccentric Sheave | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weightshaft | Yes | Yes | Yes | Estimated: April |
| Crosshead | Yes | No | No | Not Started |
| Slidebar | Yes | No | No | Not Started |
| Slippers | Yes | No | No | Not Started |
| Expansion Links | Yes | Yes | Yes | Ready: 15 March |
| Drop Links | Yes | Yes | Yes | Estimated: March |
| Radius Rods | Yes | Yes | Yes | Estimated: April |
| Lifting Links | Yes | Yes | Yes | Estimated: April |
| Connecting Rods | Yes | Yes | Yes | Estimated: March |
| Coupling Rods | Yes | Yes | Yes | Estimated: March |
| Smokebox | Yes | No | No | Not Started |
| Pistons | Yes | Yes | Yes | Estimated: May |
| Piston Rings | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Brackets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
We do not have any funding towards the Crossheads yet (estimated at £4,000 for the pair) and the Smokebox materials (estimated £3,600). If you would like to sponsor either, please feel free to call me or use BACS or Paypal.
Thank you very much for your continued support in these challenging times. We can confidently say, we are well on our way!
If you require further details or would like a chat, please feel free to call me.
Kind regards,
David RC Wood Chairman
07712 584821
1863 Mountaineer Locomotive Project 
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