Princess Elizabeth's boiler stripped for examination following failure

AS reported last month, LMS Stanier 4-6-2 No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth had been failed on July 23 ‘with a water leak' prior to its next-day outing with the ‘Northern Belle' over the Settle and Carlisle line, the duty being taken over at short notice by Tornado.

As 6201 Princess Elizabeth Society Limited chairman Clive Mojonnier said at the time: “Until I see the boiler inspector's report, I will not speculate about the cause of the problem.”

Throatplate problem

Bringing matters up to date, the gist of the inspector's report said: “The boiler fitted to No. 6201 has recently been withdrawn from service due to a leakage in the central stayed area of the throatplate. A non-destructive testing has been carried out.

“It is advised that that the boiler should be subjected to tests and examinations before it is returned to service. It is also noted that the boiler is approaching its 10-year survey.”

The report said that all external coverings and attachments should be removed and an external visual examination made. At this time, the extent of non-destructive tests will be started.

Tubeplate examination

All boiler fittings and attachments should be presented for examination

The superheater header should be removed to enable examination of the top of the front tubeplate to be made.

As we closed for press, the process of examinations is ongoing and a final report of findings will be issued before remedial work commences.

Once this stage has been completed, a programme of work will be drawn up.

The situation is a setback for the society, whose members had been looking forward to an extended run working the ‘Northern Belle' during September and October.