Overhaul update
The most noticeable thing on entering the boiler shop is that 2968’s boiler has been moved to a position in front of the door above the drain. This is the area where boilers are tested.
And the boiler is indeed filled with water. This peek inside the top feed position shows the water level and that the water feed trays are completed.
Following such extensive repairs, leakage when first filled are to be expected and such is the case here. Typically, these are a few minor leaks from stays at the rear of the right side rear of the firebox.
Another leakage point is the new metal forming the firehole. Such leaks are normally dealt with by caulking, a process which spreads the metal across the leak path to seal it.
The biggest leak, though, is the fit between the front tubeplate and barrel. Again, caulking is the first resource although more severe methods, including seam welding, might be required in places.
The point of the Fund’s working party’s visit was descale and – inevitably – paint the boiler. Work has been concentrated on the barrel, and this view shows the situation when we arrived, with a bare patch at the front and the butt strap (the horizontal piece with all the rivets) and below it still to do.
By the end of the day, these were all in fresh paint.
The boiler as first seen from the front showing the bare patch.
And again at the end of the day. Much work was also done on the right side, so the barrel is now about 75 percent painted.