Grate Stuff!

After all the work on the boiler, superheater and ashpan, there's the little matter of where to put the fire. Ages ago, I looked over the fire-grate parts and cleaned them up with the usual electric wire brush. What I had never done was to try to put the grate actually into the firebox - assuming that is was the right one and would fit!

When assembled, the grate looks like this:

Arranged fire-grate (boot toe-caps not included!)

It consists of two semi-circular rings, each with its own 90 degree segment of grate affixed. Two more 90 degree segments also sit on the semi-circular rings (the ones with the row of holes). There are then five slotted fire-grate sections laid across between the two fixed segments (the ones without the row of holes).

6th Aug 2012, Fire-grate in position (It did fit, thankfully!).

In-situ, the ends of the semi-circular rings sit on two of the four brackets which also provide the fixings for the ashpan.

Gap between halves of the rings

Near to each end of the semi-circular rings, there is a downward protruding lug which abuts against the bracket to prevents the grate from rotating.

An 'Open-Mouthed' view in through the fire-hole opening

So how does the grate assembly arrive in the bottom of the firebox I hear you ask? It has to be put in item by item from below starting with the semi-circular rings, the two segments and finally the five slotted grate sections. A tough job providing more stiffness in the joints next day!

Isebrook's 100 horsepower fire-grate

For readers familiar with 100 horsepower waggon and loco fireboxes, Sentinel 7109's 200 HP grate is quite different from the 100 HP type shown above.