02/09/2026
3803 Boiler progress update 🔧 🚂
Since the last update, here in our Churston Workshop, the boiler has had the new ashpan trial fitted, been pulled outside for the crane to roll the boiler back up the right way, had the tubes and flues fitted and all of the steel stays fitted.
In the process of overhauling this boiler, removing the tubes, driving out the rivets, drilling out the stays etc, we have opened up a grand total of 4204 holes which all need filling with new replacement parts to restore the strength and keep the water and steam in! 🔧
So far, we have fitted:
550 rivets
242 patchscrews
176 boiler tubes
14 flue tubes
848 steel stays and stay nuts
10 copper palm stays
118 copper stays
Still to fit in the next few weeks:
454 copper stays
22 crown stays and stay nuts
46 washout plugs
2 fusible plugs
90 studs
🔧 Photo details:
1. The new ashpan is trial fitted onto the boiler whilst it is still upside down.
2. The crane lifts the boiler ready to rotate it back the right way up.
3. The front tubeplate now with the full compliment of boiler tubes and flues.
4. A view inside the firebox showing the back end of the tubes and flues and all the steel stays fitted.
5. The outside of the firebox now that the boiler is the right way up.
