The Firebox Tubeplate.

Since the boiler of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's flagship locomotive, 1891-built L&SWR O2 Class No.W24 'Calbourne's boiler was moved to the LNWR Works at Crewe it has become clear the original repair proposal would have to be modified in order to overcome unforeseen practical problems with the construction of the firebox and deterioration of the boiler barrel during the last ten years of service. This resulted in the decision to renew the boiler barrel in its entirety, a considerably larger job than originally envisaged. IWSR Chief Mechanical Engineer Len Pullinger, accompanied by Mechanical Engineering Works Foreman Andrew Summers, visited Crewe on 28th February 2006 to review progress so far. The boiler is now stripped down to its component parts and all of the boiler and firebox platework assessed for condition. As a result of this process it has been decided that a new copper doorplate and tubeplate are to be incorporated into the repair. The photographs on this page, provided by Len, give an impression of the condition of the boiler materiel and the extensive work needed to return it to steamable condition. Amongst the defects now revealed are the poor condition of the outer firebox roof girders and support slings, irregular sized stay holes as a result of poorly executed work during British Railways ownership, some previously unknown repair work, wasted platework and fatigue cracking. It is anticipated that 'Calbourne' will be back in passenger service with all work completed some time during 2007.

The condemned doorplate.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway was recently able to announce that the appeal to fund W24 'Calbourne's boiler repair had reached it's target. The Railway received some very good news recently in the form of a substantial and very generous donation which means that the fund-raising for 'Calbourne's Boiler is now complete. The repair is being financed by the very generous donations received in response to the appeal and by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Many thanks are due to all those who have contributed over the past two years, we can now look forward to 'Calbourne's return to traffic in 2007. Further details of the 'Calbourne' Boiler Appeal can be found HERE

Looking up at the roof girders.

The very poor condition of one of the roof girder support slings.

Cracks linking adjacent stay holes.

Irregular sized stayholes around the firehole doorplate - the result of previous repair work.

The edge of the ruler reveals the extent of distortion of the plate.

Cracking around the firehole ring.

For more information on the repair, maintenance, restoration and operation of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's historic locomotive and carriage fleet visit Mechanical Times, the monthly on-line newsletter of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

Full details of the history of W24 'Calbourne' and the other members of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's locomotive fleet can be found on the Locomotive pages.