Latest News

Thursday, 23rd May, 2024

Just to keep you all up to date, work has proceeded on the re-tube of 80097 at Buckley Wells shed over the last few weeks. The finishing operations have been completed and the next step is the hydraulic leak test. If all is well we then progress to a steam test. Meanwhile we are making progress on Ivatt mogul 46428. The drag box welding sessions take place most sundays. After completion it will be taken away for stress relieving, then machining to ensure it is square and plum ensuring a good fit in the frames.

The cab which was completed for display at the Legends of Steam event in March has been moved outside of the workshop and put under a tarpaulin to shelter it from the weather. It cannot be fitted until the drag box is in situ. 

The recent boiler survey and meeting with our insurance Inspector had resulted in us being given permission to commence work on the removal of the smokebox tubeplate. This involves the removal of approximately 100 rivets, very onerous but well within the competence of our Merry Band of volunteers. The boiler is on it's way! The other areas of the boiler requiring attention are the wash out openings on the backhead wings and the outer wrapper skirting. Its a long road but we will be taking the first steps this summer.