The announcement of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to aid the repair of 1891-built 'O2' class W24 'Calbourne' has spurred on rapid progress in dismantling the locomotive to allow the necessary work to take place. The boiler was removed on 30th June 2005 and left the Island for the journey northwards to Crewe and the London & North Western Railway Works, who have been contracted to carry out the boiler overhaul.

'Calbourne's boiler is lifted from the frames.

The main work to be tackled will be in the copper inner firebox, where extensive repairs are required. Whilst the boiler is away work will continue at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Havenstreet Engineering Works to ensure that the target of completion by mid 2006 can be met.

To find out more about 'Calbourne's HLF grant click HERE

For more details of locomotive repair and restoration progress on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway visit Mechanical Times, the On Line newsletter of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

Being loaded ready for the trip North.

---