In reply to article in SR magazine 1944, letter from 'Brighton 40'
W11 'Newport' (Stout-hearted little comrade, indeed)

The 'last of the old boilers', now due for a major overhaul, was removed from the frames on 11th December. Not quite the 11th of the 11th but poor old soldier, No. 11 is showing its age at the moment. It is hard to imagine now the tough little medal winner doing endless days in the 1990's, hammering up and down from Wootton to Smallbrook on an hourly service, loaded to the gunnels with grockells. It rattled, grunted and barked its way without ever too much of a problem, returning each night 'Nil Defects', on the Drivers' report sheet. This all done with old battle scars from broken cylinders, bent piston rods and other ailments caused by an elongated stay at a 1960's holiday camp! It was then hauled back into preservation only to be designated a 'static exhibit'! What an insult! But at least it had been spared the ultimate.

W11 at Horsted Keynes heading the'Terrier Triple Header' with 2678 and 'Stepney' - Bluebell Railway, November 2000.

But what of the future? There can be no doubt the engine should be restored to working order, but is it responsible for us as custodians of a National Treasure, albeit unsung, to hack the thing about, replace the boiler and send it out in yet another paint scheme just to attract as many glossy magazine photos as possible, before hammering to death on active grockell service? The mechanical overhaul should present little problem, other than combating the effects of high mileage and exposure to the elements over the years. The boiler is a different kettle. We face the need no only to repair in order to restore the functionality of the component without compromising safety standards, but also to some extent a moral obligation to conserve aspects such as the copper firebox, wrought iron fabrications and repairs done by skilled craftsmen in the past that would be considered too difficult today.

W11's boiler whilst undergoing conservation work. The wheelset in the foreground is from the spare 'O2' bogie.

In looking at the options for boiler work on No. 11, the Marsh boiler, BE 967, which has been carried since about 1930, was considered beyond economic repair. The firebox condemnation by the boiler inspector was clearly an easy decision given the wasting of the plates, the quilting and the scale of the old repairs carried out by BR in the 1950's. The far better boiler, BE 1032, bought for spares from the KESR ten years ago was given a full survey as a repair option. An estimate for the apparent repairs required was drawn up. At the same time an estimate for a brand new boiler to be built was obtained from Israel Newton & Sons, of Bradford. They were responsible for the design and construction of the two new Terrier boilers in conjunction with the KESR and ourselves, the first of which was fitted to our No. 8, Freshwater in 1997. The cost comparison made, it was a relatively easy decision for the board to favour the new build option. An order has been placed with Israel Newton & Sons who have already put into action the process for approval by the authorities.

Fireman Ross Browning at work on 'Newport's spacious footplate.

Boiler BE 1032, being far less complete, will be put to good use as a training and practice aid for boiler work such as stay renewal, caulking, patch screw fitting and copper manipulation, and will eventually be scrapped, as will No. 8's old boiler, which owes us nothing.

Meanwhile the old No. 11's boiler has been scaled and painted as part of a laying-up process to conserve the boiler, wastage, patches, quilting, barnacles and all, and will be eventually displayed with appropriate explanatory notes, for all to see. Perhaps one day, somebody will want to produce an accurate replica using authentic materials and processes, but what of the necessary skills? That's a different story. For the time being, at least, Newport will be revived with a nice reliable new boiler, and will once again demonstrate amazing capabilities for its size and age, as it did in Paris in 1878. Can we get the 'Stout-hearted little comrade' through the tunnel?!!!!!!!!!!

W24 'Calbourne'

The boiler was reunited with the frames on 16th October and lagged and clad in preparation for the tank and cab, which were craned into position on 11th December. Work continues with pipefitting etc.

'Royal Engineer' takes shape - December 2007.

Ivatt 41313

Exploratory work continues to clean and free up, and to examine condition of parts. The leading driving axleboxes once seized in the horn blocks have at last yielded but further freeing up will be required before dropping the wheelset out of the frames. A full work programme will be drawn up on completion of the restoration of Calbourne.

All have been through works for minor body repairs and re-varnishing in the autumn.

13T Dropside 483700

Another wagon repair, this time to renew side boards. This one will again pose as a private owner's wagon advertising a well-known local coal merchant, 'Hocknulls', who have kindly agreed to sponsor the repair.

Mutual Improvement Classes

The first of the winter series was attended by 32 members of staff and volunteers on 15th November. It was very encouraging to see so many, especially from other departments. The January class will have been held on the 17th, and the next one is scheduled for 14th February, entitled 'Locomotion'.