Boiler barrels brought together for ‘3MT’ tank

As well as gaining its ‘face’ (SR470), ‘3MT’ 2-6-2T No. 82045 has achieved another milestone, as its boiler barrels were joined. The tapered and parallel barrel sections were riveted together by Bridgnorth boiler shop on July 1, and the position of the dome has been marked out. The Severn Valley Railway’s workshop is constructing the boiler for the new BR Standard tank, with work on the firebox expected to start in the autumn. The boiler is due to be assembled (albeit without the tubes) next summer. The locomotive continues to progress towards wheeling, with machining of the axleboxes nearly complete, and cab fittings are on the way - with parts made for the reversing gear and damper controls. For more on No. 82045, see pages 82/83.