At the end of the season 2019, we discovered that the boiler inspection scheme allegedly fell short of the PSSR 2000 legislation. From that point, we were advised that should not steam the engines until they had been thoroughly inspected with the boiler cladding removed.
The trustees decided that Queen Mary should receive the “treatment” first.
As 3833 was built as a showman’s engine, the strip down is more arduous than the roller or agricultural engines would be.
After draining the boiler and cleaning the fire side, a cold inspection was made, with some recommendations for the mud doors to be reprofiled. Our coded welder of preference duly came over and built up the mud and inspection doors for us, all save one , which was deemed as past saving, so a new one was purchased, and with a minor bit of fettling, fits very glove like.
After a hydraulic squeeze, we have a small patch on the boiler seam which will require caulking, and another hydraulic test will be performed to make sure all is well.
Apart from this, all the fittings have been removed, degreased, cleaned, fettled where necessary, one or two bits have been renewed, but only where no alternative is available – because the engine is to be kept as original as possible.
A magnificent effort by all of our volunteers so far.
Unfortunately due to the ravages of Covid-19 all work has had to cease until we get the all clear to resume our efforts.
When we return, we plan to re-lag the boiler barrel, re-fit the cladding, refit the front tanks, steering mechanism and the clacks and pipework, with the barrel exposed in front of the cylinder block, so the caulking repair can be examined under hydraulic pressure. Hopefully we should be able to steam test the engine on the same visit from our venerable inspector.
After final assembly, we can move on to the roller for similar treatment. When that is completed, we can attend to our “Aggie”.
