Updated 23/08/10

On Wednesday 9th September 2009, a preliminary examination by our Boiler Inspector concluded that, subject to a further internal examination of the boiler barrel and other areas not currently accessible once all the tubes have been removed, the only major work required will be to retube the boiler. As a result, work has now commenced with a view to undertaking the necessary repairs to return the locomotive to traffic. We hope to include regular updates and photos as the work progresses. A report in the 'Eden Valley Messenger' can be found here.

Update 23.08.10

Last Wednesday (18th) saw the new set of tubes arrive on site and, by lunchtime on Sunday, all 150 were in the boiler barrel awaiting expanding etc. The afternoon saw all the mudhole doors re-fitted in readiness for the day we are able to fill the boiler with water once more. A photo has been added to the album below.

Update 15.07.10

Yesterday (14th), the Boiler Inspector undertook the formal 10-yearly internal examination of the Boiler / Firebox assembly. We are very pleased to report that he confirmed it to be in excellent condition with no repairs required other than the fitting of a new set of tubes. These should be on site within the next 7-10 days and work will then start on retubing the boiler.

Update 05.07.10

On Saturday (3rd), all the remaining cladding and lagging were removed from the boiler and firebox assembly. We now await the visit of the Boiler Inspector to undertake the formal examination.

Update 28.06.10

Yesterday (27th) saw all the boiler bands removed and a good start made on removing the cladding and lagging. A photo has been added to the album below.

Update 25.06.10

Today (25th) we had a crane on site to remove the saddletank and cab. Once the loco was back inside the station, work began to remove the boiler bands so that we can get at the cladding and lagging underneath. This will be removed within the next couple of weeks so that our Boiler Inspector can undertake a full examination before hopefully giving us the okay to fit the new set of tubes. A couple of photos have been added to the album below.

Update 24.05.10

Yesterday (23rd), all the holes in both the firebox and smokebox tubeplates were cleaned. We are now essentially ready to lift both the cab and tank - this will most likely take place in approx. one month's time when we have the space available following both the Model Railway Show and Steam Gathering. A new set of boiler tubes were ordered last week and they are due on site mid / late July.

Update 17.05.10

Yesterday (16th) saw all the debris in the boiler barrel and foundation ring removed with a compressed air line - a photo has been added to the album below. We hope to start cleaning the tube holes next weekend.

Update 19.04.10

Sunday afternoon (18th) saw all the remaining tubes removed. The next jobs are to clean the tube holes, remove any debris from the barrel, lift the cab and tank and finally take off the cladding / lagging. The boiler / firebox assembly will then be ready for formal examination. A photo has been added to the album below.

Update 07.03.10

Yesterday (6th), another 24 tubes were knocked out in approx. one and a half hours - 112 out and 38 to go! 

Update 01.03.10

Yesterday afternoon (28th), we managed to find the time to remove another 23 tubes - over half are now out.

Update: 22.02.10

On Saturday afternoon (20th), we managed to get an hour or so in the firebox between other jobs - another 20 tubes knocked out.

Update: 08.02.10

At last we have been able to get back to 2084, even if it was just for a very brief spell on Saturday afternoon. Another 15 tubes were knocked out. Hopefully, we will now be able to start again in earnest if time and the weather allows.

Update: 03.12.09

All the remaining tubes in the smokebox have now been cut and are ready to be taken out. The regulator valve, its housing and operating rod have been removed, as has the stuffing box on the firebox backhead. Finally, the cab and saddletank (which has been cleaned out) are now ready to be lifted off the loco frames.

Update: 30.11.09

On Saturday (28th), we spent a couple of hours in the afternoon removing approx. the first 30 boiler tubes - a photo has been added to the album below. Work will continue as and when time (and the cumbrian weather!) allows.

Update: 05.11.09

In the firebox, the brick arch has been taken out and all the tubes cut ready for removal. At the smokebox end, the blastpipe and associated fittings have been dismantled and two-thirds of the tubes cut - a couple of photos have been added to the album below. The next stage is to finish cutting the remaining tubes and remove them from the boiler barrel.

Update: 12.10.09

Many of the boiler and cab fittings have now been removed - a few photos have been added to the album below. Work continues when time allows - the next jobs are to prepare the cab / tank for lifting and to remove the brick arch / old tubes.

The album below illustrates some of the work undertaken on the boiler overhaul to date: