FINAL STRETCH

 

 

This year promises to be a big year and the one we’ve all been waiting for; the one that will show us a complete locomotive! The construction and painting of the tender has showcased the skill of the Locomotive Maintenance Services team in Loughborough, and the livery has given us a teasing taster of the Victorian delight shortly to be in steam.

 

The heart of any engine is the boiler and great progress has been made with this; the largest and most complex part. This view of the left-hand side of the boiler from above shows the general arrangement, with the assembly now prepared and ready for riveting.

 

With the new blackhead and foundation ring fitted, with inner firebox constructed, and outer wrapper near completion, the boiler is looking good! Where possible we have used original parts but some did need replacing, such as a new blower valve casting to replace the original unit, which was found to be beyond recovery. The newly fabricated throatplate has been welded into position, with all holes drilled and ready for riveting. This work will be followed by fitting of the new firebox.

 

Needless to say, concurrent with this final push to construct the locomotive there is a sprint to raise the last of the necessary funding to top up the huge generosity of the National Lottery Heritage Fund; without which this restoration could never have happened. Please join our 876 Club or indeed any of the support schemes tailored for every pocket.

 

With rapid progress now expected on the locomotive in 2026, make sure you follow our Facebook page or the blog at: https://ksetransport.blogspot.com for the most up-to-the-minute news!