Successful trial-fitting for ‘grange’ boiler at tyseley
Betton Grange has its own boiler in place for the first time, with the trial‑fitting of the overhauled component at Tyseley Locomotive Works.
The Standard No. 1 boiler, originally from ex‑Barry ‘Modified Hall’ No. 7927 Willington Hall, was lowered into the frames of No. 6880 at the former 84E shed on December 3. It is the second boiler to be carried by the Collett 4‑6‑0, with that from No. 5952 Cogan Hall having previously been placed on the locomotive as a template for pipework.
Paul Appleton, publicity director for the 6880 Betton Grange Society, said: “The next stage is to take the boiler and smokebox off the frames and rivet them together. A small amount of packing will be required to achieve perfect alignment and this will be tackled before the boiler is fixed onto the chassis, ready to be piped up.
“Alastair Meanley has said that he is very pleased with the fit – the firebox dropped in better than Cogan Hall’s boiler did.
“The work to fit the boiler permanently will take us through to January/February and then there is a list of jobs to be carried out at Tyseley before it returns to Llangollen, which is estimated to be in late April.
“Provided all goes to plan, we would hope to steam it in May and then spend the summer running it in, but we can’t commit to when it will work its first train.”
From the £40,000 that was still needed to complete the engine in November (SR486), Mr Appleton said: “Donations received over recent weeks mean the funding gap is down to approximately £22,000. Sponsors are still needed for six out of 21 superheater elements at £1,000 each, and we are also seeking sponsorship of the ‘elephant ears’ – the awkward cladding for the front firebox corners, estimated at £1,500 to make and fit.”
Donations can be sent to 224 Staining Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY3 0DL, or see www.6880.co.uk