'CALBOURNE' BOILER APPEAL REOPENED
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has reopened the Appeal to fund the boiler repair of its flagship locomotive, 1891-built London & South Western Railway 02 Class No.W24 'Calbourne', the sole survivor of it's class. The boiler was transferred to the London & North Western Railway works, Crewe in July 2005 for a detailed survey to be undertaken. As a result of the extensive deterioration of both boiler barrel and firebox discovered the repairs now being carried out are far more extensive than originally envisaged. It has been decided necessary to renew the boiler barrel in its entirety, manufacture new copper firebox door pate, tubeplate and two new inner firebox half sides. The final cost of the work is now estimated to be in the region of £150,000.

A successful application to the Heritage lottery fund and previous fundraising means that some £90,000 has already been raised. 'The Railway is quite determined to see Calbourne return to steam as soon as possible and is hoping to find part of the remaining sum from its general funds' said Chairman John Suggett. 'However, with so many calls on our finances we are appealing to the public to support this appeal and get Calbourne running again as soon as possible. When these repairs are complete we will have a virtually new boiler. There is every reason to believe that this will then give us many years of trouble-free running.'
Crewe, January 2007 - The old and new boiler barrels stand next to the flanging block made for the copper firebox plates.

All contributions towards the cost of this unique locomotive's return to steam are most welcome. Anyone wishing to contribute should send donations to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, The Railway Station, Havenstreet, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 4DS. Cheques should be made payable to Isle of Wight Railway Co Ltd. Taxpayers are requested to use this Gift Aid form in order that your donation can be maximised.

For more details of the progress of 'Calbourne's boiler overhaul visit the Mechanical Times and Latest News pages.

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Page last modified 07/09/07.
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