Boiler leaves ELR

Thursday, 13th November, 2014

Yesterday was a very long day for our CME Allan Schofield Snr. The orginal plan was to load the boiler barrel on Tuesday night & the firebox Wednesday morning. Unfortunately the wagon driver ran out of hours. This meant a very early start yesterday. Keith Savory and Allan arrived dull and early at 5am and the wagon duly arrived at 5.45 bringing with it the rain!

The barrel took around an hour to load onto the trailer in Bolton Street Car Park after which it was off down to Baron Street to load the rest of the boiler parts. After setting up and picking up the firebox section it was then realised that it was too heavy for the set up. The trailer had to be dropped and the wagon and crane repositioned, with it still raining hard. After what felt like an age the firebox was eventually positioned correctly and the remaining parts (dome, foundation ring, regulator j pipe, nuts, bolts, rivets, main steam pipe deflector etc) were loaded. With everything strapped down the trailer finally left at 10.30am for Adam Dalgleish Engineering in Stockton-on-Tees.

The next job was to return the frames from Baron Street back to 97 HQ. With the help of Robin driving the 08 and Alan doing the shunting the engine was extricated from the top of the shed. Unfortunately as the engine came through the sidings the road was blocked with coaches as they were in the middle of a massive shunt. After waiting for a path it was all systems stop - there was a possession on Platform 2! Much pleading and walking backwards and forwards ensued and the possession was finally removed. The engine was then shunted into the bay platform. Then started the usual in/out push/pull dance before 97 finally made it back home at 4pm! This was followed by the clean up and sorting of gear, and a very well deserved reward of a pint of real ale in the Trackside.

Allan has now heaved a big sigh of relief as at long last the momentous occasion has been realised and the boiler has gone ready to return in 12 months with a ticket. The plan is to have the frames all ready so it can be dropped straight into position. There is still plenty to do so your support will still be required.