We had not planned to spend this Easter preparing 506 for a boiler lift. A number of defective stays below the frame line under the brick arch have necessitated this action. While it has been disheartening for the ULS team, we are reminding ourselves that the loco has been a heavily used stalwart of the Watercress Line in the last six years, clocking over 30,000 miles. It is safe to say 506 has been worked harder than many preserved locos are during a whole ten year boiler ticket. Rectifying work will be conducted at Ropley as swiftly as possible. However, a thorough repair is crucial to keep the loco reliable for the rest of its boiler ticket.
Not wanting to lose any time, we have had ULS weekend and Ropley works weekday volunteers readying the boiler for removal over a ten day period. To achieve the lift, we have now freed the cab roof, removed the centre section of boiler lagging and various fittings.
All pipes and fittings in the smokebox except for the superheater have also been disassembled.
A view not often seen of 506’s tender, and a reminder of things to come with tender 3223.
As we always do at the ULS, we are going to make the most of the situation. The tender and loco chassis will receive some TLC during this down time and the paint job will be freshened up where required.
On a more positive note, boiler 799 has now been shipped up to our friends at the Severn Valley Railway. They will complete the copper welding required for the new firebox half sides before we recommence the boiler overhaul at Ropley. Photo Mark Drinkwater.