'Calbourne' Repair Update - January 2007.
W24 'Calbourne' at Calloways Crossing.

The Heritage Lottery Fund assisted boiler repair of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's flagship locomotive, 1891-built L&SWR 'O2' Class No.W24 'Calbourne', is continuing to progress at the LNWR Works, Crewe. The repairs now being carried out are far more extensive than originally intended due to deterioration of both firebox and boiler barrel, discovered when the boiler was stripped down to its component parts. This resulted in a decision to renew the boiler barrel in its entirety and manufacture new copper firebox door and tubeplates. It is anticipated that the completed boiler will be returned to Havenstreet some time during 2007. The Mechanical Engineering team are currently making steady progress with the overhaul of 'Calbourne's frames, motion and superstructure, ready for the boiler's return to the Isle of Wight.
W24 Crewe Jan 07
The old and new boiler barrels stand next to the flanging block made for the copper firebox plates.

During 2006 the Isle of Wight Steam Railway was able to announce that the appeal to fund W24 'Calbourne's boiler repair had reached it's target. The repair is being financed by the very generous donations received and by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Many thanks are due to all those who have contributed, we can now look forward to 'Calbourne's return to traffic in the near future. Further details of the 'Calbourne' Boiler Appeal can be found HERE

W24 Crewe Jan 07
The new copper firebox door plate ready for drilling. The old one can be seen in background.
W24 Jan 07
The new fire hole ring.
Calbourne Hst Jan 07
'Calbourne's frames in the Havenstreet Mechanical Engineering Workshop and slide valves removed for inspection.

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 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.

W24 Hst Jan 03
W24 'Calbourne' waits for her overhaul to begin at Havenstreet in January 2003.
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Page last modified 13/01/07.
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