Restoration Progress

December 2001 Progress report   Progress Newsletters

In 2001 the boiler was lifted from the frames, and ESR workshop volunteers removed the boiler tubes and firebox foundation ring to allow a thorough examination. The foundation ring was found to be in better condition than was suspected and so will be re-used. Nevertheless, the boiler will need a new front tube plate, welding of the copper firebox, and 400 new copper stays!

The cylinders, valves, motion and running gear have been stripped down ready for overhaul, and a special tool has been designed and built in the ESR workshops for machining the valve chests without the major task of removing the cylinder block from the frames.

During 2002, disassembly of the firebox was finished and the cylinders, valves and motion were overhauled. See the newsletters for more information on this work.

Into 2003 and progress has been slow, partially because USA Tank 30075 has taken priority, but also because the next major task will involve rebuilding the boiler and a fund-raiser is sought to help do this.