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Since the last update in March 2024, work to return 813 to operating condition has progressed at a much slower rate than envisaged at that time although, at last, there now appears to be light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Following condemnation of the tank in early 2024, discussions took place between the Severn Valley Railway Engineering Dept. and the Ffestiniog Railway to ascertain whether the latter would be able to repair the tank, hopefully by replacing just the lower portion. The Ffestiniog Railway had been approached for this work on account of its proven record in repairing and fabricating saddle tanks such as those on its own locomotives 'Prince' and 'Welsh Pony'. Unfortunately, it was concluded that the condition of the tank was too far gone to warrant partial replacement and that provision of a new tank was the only viable option. The tank was duly removed from the locomotive and dispatched to Boston Lodge Works, Porthmadog in July 2024 where it remained for several weeks pending preparation of detailed drawings for its replacement and space in the appropriate workshop. It was not until early in the current year that work on fabricating the new tank was commenced but, in the meantime, we were notified that the charge would be £35,332.50 plus VAT and the cost of transport to Bridgnorth. This came as a mild shock as, whilst we had been unable to estimate the likely cost ourselves, it was not envisaged that it would be as high as that, no doubt due to the relative complexity of the structure of the tank. In the event, we were faced with little choice other than to accept that price as continued lack of progress would only serve to increase the loss of hire income. The new tank is being fabricated in mild steel and will be of all-welded construction rather than riveted as per the original. As the rivets were countersunk on the outside, they were therefore invisible so there will be no deviation from the overall appearance of the locomotive's tank. All usable fittings such as the chimney, hand rails, filler and steps will be re-fitted. It is hoped that the new tank will be completed and sent to the S.V.R. by mid to late Summer. In the meantime, at Bridgnorth, the in-frame boiler has been examined by the boiler inspector who has had a small number of tubes extracted for inspection. As the tubes were newly installed only a few months before the loco was withdrawn from service, they are in good condition and a full re-tube will not be required. Subject to a small amount of work on the rest of the boiler and a hydraulic test, the loco should be provided with a fresh ten year boiler certificate to coincide with the fitting of the new tank. The goal will be an appearance in steam at the SVR Autumn Steam Gala. The high cost of the new tank will, of course, place a considerable strain on the Fund's financial resources, much of which was earmarked for future maintenance and overhauls and rolling stock projects. We have, therefore, launched a crowd funding appeal to help raise funds to assist with the cost of the new tank. Anyone wishing to contribute will find details of the link to the appeal at the bottom of the attached form. Those who might prefer to donate direct to the Fund's account are invited to complete the form itself. Thanks are due to those members who have already contributed to this appeal. NOTE: It may not be generally known that, in addition to the web site, the 813 Fund has a Facebook page, maintained by Nick Baxter, one of the trustees. News and photographs are regularly posted therein. |
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