Winter boiler lifts in brief

■ THE boiler from 2ft gauge 0-10-0T Orenstein & Koppel with Luttermöller articulation which arrived at ‘Workshop X’ in March 2022 following its purchase by Matt Dolby (RM, May 2022) was sent to Israel Newton for repair and re-tubing in early December.

■ ISLE of Man Steam Railway Supporters Association volunteers cosmetically restoring the Isle of Man Steam Railway’s Beyer Peacock 2-4-0T No. 5 Mona lifted the boiler back into the frames at Port St Mary station goods shed on December 13. The cab was then also lifted back into position. The aim is to complete the project in time for the railway’s 150th anniversary this year.

■ THE boiler of ex-WDLR Baldwin 4-6-0T No. 794 (BLW44699/1917) has passed a hydraulic test and been steam tested (out of frames) at Vale of Rheidol Railway, which is restoring the loco for the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. The rolling chassis is complete and work on fittings and final plumbing is progressing. The loco will return to operation during 2023 ‘as’ No. 590 and is likely to feature in the June 2325 Welsh Highland Railway 100 celebration event.

■ THE boiler of Talyllyn Railway’s Fletcher, Jennings 0-40WT No. 1 Dolgoch has passed a hydraulic test and been lifted into the frames. Reassembly of the loco has revealed cracks in the connecting rods. New rods are being made by a contractor. Dolgoch is expected to return to service this spring.

■ THE boiler of Whistlestop Valley’s 0-4-4-0T Hawk was returned to the Kirklees Light Railway from North Bay Engineering Services Ltd on December 7.

■ THE boiler from Amberley Museum’s Bagnall 2-4-0T Polar Bear went to Bennett Boilers in Highbridge, Somerset, for overhaul on January 3.

■ IN early December Llanberis Lake Railway withdrew Hunslet 0-4-0ST Elidir and commenced its 10-year overhaul.