Update late May 26

Sunday, 31st May, 2026

Hi all,

Great news, our boiler inspector, Andy Wright has examined the fabrication and is happy with its condition. Only superficial cracking is evident.These defects were found using the MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspection) process. This work was kindly carried out for us by Andrew Walker and his son of Format NDT of St Helens. We are so grateful for their help with this testing. Thank you  We have permission to proceed with repairs. We have also agreed on the cut line for the outer wrapper removal. When completed the ring can be re-installed. We can then commence platework replacement. We will require many rivets and stays and sheets of boiler plate  We will be starting a boiler rebuild appeal soon. Why not play your part by helping to fund an area of the boiler rebuild?

You could: Buy a rivet? We need a particular quality of product. It will come in a batch and will be accompanied by a material certificate ensuring it has the required metalurgical properties to do its job properly.

You could. Buy a stay? Made for us to a specification which makes it more expensive. 

We will be announcibg our funding drive in the coming months. Please look out and come on board and help bring this loco back to life. Watch this space.