A new boiler barrel is being built for Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway’s (H&KWR) resident steam loco Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST Darent.
The chassis is undergoing overhaul at London Museum of Water & Steam (RM Oct), with the boiler having been sent to A G Bicknell & Co Ltd for assessment and repair.
The smokebox, front tube plate, tubes and other fittings have been removed to enable examination of the internal surfaces of the boiler.
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However, it became apparent that while the firebox end seemed to be in good condition the barrel had significant pitting along the front lower section.
Weld building and patching were considered, but construction of a complete new barrel and front tube plate was viewed as the best long-term option.
Steam on H&KWR’s Hanworth Loop running line was maintained in 2018 by Hampshire Narrow Gauge Railway Trust’s Bagnall 0-4-0ST Wendy.
