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Locomotive Works News

SR Q-class No. 541
2023 overhaul

Latest News     -     The Maunsell Locomotive Society's page for 541     -     Bluebell web page for 541
Earlier overhaul (completed in 2015)     -     Loco Works News
 

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With its cylinders re-bored and steam pipes and piston rods replaced early in 2022, mechanically it is in reasonably good condition. Firebox defects have however now seen it withdrawn from service just a couple of years earlier than had been hoped. Requiring a boiler overhaul, attention to its tyres and a new tender tank, the plan is to do the work fairly quickly, in part using off-site contractors, to which end the locomotive (but not the tender) left the Bluebell on 6 July 2023, going to Leaky Finders in Devon.

The Maunsell Locomotive Society has agreed to try and raise &163;40,000 towards the cost of overhauling the tender and providing a new tender tank. The Q is an ideal size and economical loco for Bluebell operations. It fits in well with the 'Southern' image, and it did actually operate in the vicinity.

Online payments to the appeal can be made by clicking either of the DONATE buttons here and then selecting "Q Class 541 Overhaul" in the drop-down box.

For those who prefer to use cheques, please send a cheque, made payable to the 'Bluebell Railway Trust' (and a Gift Aid Form if appropriate) to the Bluebell Railway Trust, Sheffield Park Station, Uckfield TN22 3QL. Please add a note to say it is for the 541 Overhaul Appeal.

As ever, a warm 'thank you' to all concerned who have generously contributed thus far.

March 2024

Leaky Finders have removed all the Monel stays from the copper firebox and the NDT has been undertaken of the accessible areas of the copper firebox. Work has also started on weld prepping the existing steel plate work. This photo (provided by Leaky Finders) shows work in progress on the firebox.

The tender tank is about 100 years old, and has now been separated from the frames and is being sent away to the 4253 Loco Group (based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway) for the fabrication of a replacement - full report (pdf) here.

January 2024

Leaky Finders have cut out wasted areas of the steel outer firebox wrapper on the sides and backhead that require replacement. The locomotive's rear dragbox was wasted by corrosion, and has been removed for replacement, as is seen in this photo (provided by Leaky Finders).

The wheelsets have been sent to the South Devon Railway for tyre turning; the axles and wheelsets have been ultrasonically tested and have passed. Boiler fittings are being overhauled by Bluebell workshop staff at Sheffield Park. Melvyn Frohnsdorff has been busy freeing up the tender tank to enable it to be lifted to gain access to the frames in order to assess their condition - full report (pdf) here.

November 2023

The full scope of the boiler repair has been agreed between us, our boiler inspector and Leaky Finders. Work has started to cut out the life expired sections of the outer firebox wrapper. The wheelsets have been sent to South Devon Railway Engineering (SDRE) for ultrasonic testing of the axles and tyre measurements - photo thanks to Leaky Finders - report (pdf) here.
The tender has now been moved into the maintenance shed at Sheffield Park for a start to be made in dismantling the tender tank.

October 2023

The flues and smoke tubes had been removed and some needle gunning of the boiler barrel undertaken. The boiler had its NDT (non-destructive testing) examination at the end of September. The frames were lifted on 4 October to allow the wheelsets to be removed - photo thanks to Leaky Finders - report (pdf) here.

September 2023

Leaky Finders have been pressing on with the loco's overhaul at their premises in Devon. The boiler was freed up and lifted out of the frames on Friday 4 August. The large flue tubes and smoke tubes have been 'freed up' ready for removal - photo thanks to Leaky Finders - report (pdf) here.

August 2023

The Q-class arrived at Leaky Finders workshops in Devon on 6 July - photo thanks to Leaky Finders - report (pdf) here.
The tender remains at Sheffield Park and will require a new tender tank.

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