2857’s Tubes Begin to be Removed

The first of 2025’s work days on 2857 have happened, with the first batch of tubes being removed. 8 smoke tubes, and 7 flue tubes have been removed. The remaining 7 flues and around 40 smoke tubes are all ready to come out during our next working days, and then after that we will be able to continue collapsing some more ready for them to come out

We also managed to give the loco a big winter coat! The sheet should help to protect the cladding, lagging, safety valve casting, boiler, and cab, from the elements. Another smaller sheet will be fitted over the front of the boiler and Smokebox during our next working days

Our target is for all of the tubes to have been removed, and the safety valve casting made ready to lift off by the end of February. We also have a meeting pencilled in with the SVR to discuss contractors for the bottom end overhaul in the next few weeks, so plenty to keep us occupied!

As always, the overhaul can only happen with the necessary funding in place. We’ve raised about £2,500 of the required £100,000 thus far, and if you wish to contribute you can visit.