‘Caledonia’ boiler delivered to Hollycombe
EX-DINORWIC SLATE quarry Andrew Barclay 0-4-0WT ‘Caledonia’ is a big step closer to returning to steam at Hollycombe Working Steam Museum, following the delivery of its heavily overhauled boiler.
Last steamed in 2007, needing major firebox repairs, the boiler of the 1931-built
‘E’ class locomotive – originally built in 1931 as Works No. 1995 – has undergone contract renewal at the Severn Valley Railway’s Bridgnorth boiler shop. Work undertaken has included a new boiler barrel, new smokebox, new tubeplate, new half wrapper sides, new throatplate, new half backhead, new firehole door ring, new foundation ring, and a new copper firebox.
Hollycombe museum manager Lucy Dyke added: “Alongside the boiler work she has a new set of fitting studs. All the small motion has been rebuilt, injectors overhauled, and all fittings rebuilt. The frames, which were defective, have had the rear third replaced at a workshop near to Hollycombe, and a new ashpan manufactured. The chassis is due to return to Hollycombe this week so we can reunite the boiler with the frames.
“We are progressing the works ongoing with a view to her steaming on the railway this year.”
Built for the Durham County Water Board’s Burnhope reservoir project, along with preserved classmates Works No. 1991 Cegin and 1994 Glyder, ‘Caledonia’ (it never received an official name during its working days) moved to Dinorwic in 1948. It was rescued by Hollycombe founder Commander Baldock in 1968, and has remained in Hampshire ever since. To support its return to steam appeal, visit www.gofundme. com/f/restoring-caledonia
Meanwhile, Hollycombe is undertaking work on its other ex-Dinorwic locomotive, Hunslet 0-4-0ST Works No. 638 Jerry M. Speaking to Steam Railway in early January, Dyke said: “Jerry M isn’t due for her ten-year until 2026 and is due to have some work on the firebox this week. She had a new set of tubes last year. She will be back in traffic this year too.”
She added: “Alongside the works on the locomotives, we have replaced the roof on our shed and our volunteers have spent the winter so far repainting the locomotive shed walls, resealing the floor and upgrading the shed insulation. It’ll be a nice warm, dry space for the locomotives when they are not in service.”