By August the big ends were knocking badly and the crosshead cotters had become loose, so the big ends were remetalled and cotters replaced ahead of the repair scheduled for the winter. At about the same time the vacuum pump crosshead bracket was found to have fractured and this was re-welded.

It was noted that the cylinders were becoming very worn and required re-boring. Subject to a reduction in the mileage run it was agreed that this could be re-scheduled for January 2017.

The original valve spindles had also become very worn. Early suggestions by the Society to repair these by spiral welding were rejected when it was considered that the holes for the taper pins securing the valve heads had been drilled and over-drilled on so many occasions as to render them useless. Complete replacement was agreed and it was planned to include this work as part of the overall cylinder refurbishment job. The back driving axleboxes were reported as knocking. Erratic problems were found with the vacuum brake system. The hose from the pump to the vacuum retaining valve had split and was replaced, also the ‘pepper pot’ relief valves were re-set, curing the problems. New firebars were fitted in October. Once again the hopper ashpan was found to be distorting. The right leading driving spring was changed in December.

As requested, the use of the engine had been reduced and the 2016 annual mileage came out significantly less, at 7,383 miles.