Bury ‘4MT’ back after boiler repairs
BURY Standard 4 Group’s (BS4G) 2-6-4T
No. 80097 returned to traffic at the East Lancashire Railway on August 5 following the need to replace boiler tubes.
As previously reported, in late May the loco suffered a cracked small boiler tube. Unfortunately, as this was the second tube to fail since the boiler rebuild, a boiler inspector required all the 157 small tubes to be replaced.
The BS4G workshop team promptly removed the running boards, main steam pipes, superheater elements and demolished the firebox brick arch to gain access to the failing tubes, which were then removed. Fortunately, new tubes were obtained and these were fitted and machined into place and a new brick arch built.
After hydraulic and steam tests were completed, the boiler inspector gave approval to complete the build – and the steam pipes and other parts were refitted, followed by a final steam inspection.
As all steam tubes should last a minimum of five years, this unexpected exercise has dealt a severe blow to BS4G finances. Each of the 157 tubes has cost £50, plus the fees for professional expertise.
By mid-August, 82 of the 157 tubes had been paid for at £50 each as part of the BS4G’s Sponsor a Tube appeal. Visit www.burystandard4group.org.uk for details.