Progress on 5637

5637's boiler sits on the chaired sleeper wagon in light steam as part of the preparation for the steam test later that week
5637's boiler sits on the chaired sleeper wagon in light steam as part of the preparation for the steam test later that week
Credit: Sean Moore, 2 February 2005

Work continues on ex-Great Western Collett 0-6-2T 5637 to repair damage believed to have been sustained during an offloading operation last year, and consisting of a number of broken firebox stays.

To gain access to the damage, the boiler has been removed from the frames and is currently in the workshop on a flat wagon. Whilst the boiler is out of the frames, the opportunity has been taken to renew all the remaining original BR steel stays which are now accessible for the first time since the loco came to the ESR, as well as replacing a number of wasted foundation ring rivets.

The stay renewal was completed shortly before Christmas, and the rivetting in January. The repaired boiler underwent hydraulic testing successfully on the 26th of January and passed its Steam Test on the 3 February. The boiler is due to be craned back into the frames next tuesday so that the side tanks, cab and many other parts can be refitted.

It is anticipated that the loco will return to traffic in early March.

News item added on 4th February 2005, by GM


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