Boiler Appeal

 

 

 

 

 

Background

Progress in the restoration of 76077 has been astonishing and, as at the beginning of 2024, was approaching completion as a rolling chassis.  This would not have been possible without the extraordinary support of so many shareholders, supporters and volunteers as well of course, as the expertise of Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough, where the chassis is being rebuilt.

This means that the project could deliver a working locomotive in time for December 2026, 76077’s 70^th birthday.  However, to achieve that, the costliest single element of the overhaul must be undertaken: the boiler.

The expected cost is around £150,000 and Toddington Standard Locomotive Ltd has launched a share appeal to raise that sum. 

History of 76077’s boiler

Many Standard locomotives had lamentably short lives and were broken up with the boiler that was originally fitted.  That might have happened to 76077, had it been withdrawn just three years earlier but, in 1964 the locomotive was overhauled a long way from its Sutton Oak, St Helens home, at Eastleigh, the SR’s works in Hampshire.  In the process of overhaul, 76077’s original Swindon-built boiler (boiler no. 1799) was removed and replaced with freshly-overhauled boiler no. 1052.

Boiler 1052 was one of the first batch of Standard No. 7 boilers for the class.  Built at Darlington, it was first fitted to Horwich-built no. 76007. 

The boiler fitted to the Standard class 4 2-6-0s is almost identical to those fitted to the LMS Ivatt class 4 2-6-0s on which the Standard version is based.  Construction seamlessly followed after production of the LMS-designed locomotives ended in 1953.  So, with the necessary flanging equipment already in place, construction of the Standard boilers was straightforward.  In all, 124 boilers were built including ten spares, the last completed at Crewe as late as 1960.  The boilers were built at Doncaster, Darlington, Swindon and Crewe.

Locomotive no. 76007 went to Eastleigh for overhaul in 1958 when boiler 1052 was removed and fitted to 76012.  Both were Southern allocated locomotives.  Provided no work was required to the tubeplate, the usual practice was not to remove the smokebox when the boilers were overhauled so the original smokebox, attached to boiler 1052, found its way on to 76077 in 1964.  The locomotive eventually returned to Sutton Oak after several weeks wandering about the SR and soon afterwards, lost its smokebox number plate.  But the engine was recognisable in front-on photographs as it retained the additional lamp/disc irons fitted to SR locomotives!

What actually needs to be done?

Although the following list might seem extensive, in fact the boiler is in good shape compared with many locomotive restorations, confirmed by a boiler inspection in 2022.  Some work that may strictly not be necessary to get the engine into working order is none-the-less being specified to ensure that the next ten years’ operation is trouble-free and help ensure that minimal work will be needed at the next boiler overhaul.

Provide new front parallel section of boiler and new tubeplate

While these could be repaired, the cost of replacing them is not significantly greater and will help minimise work required after the first ten years of operation.  The work will also require re-fitting of the longitudinal says and main steam pipe, fit new studs to attach the superheater and fit washout plugs.

Tapered boiler section and dome

There is some corrosion pitting at the bottom of the barrel which can be repaired by welding.  The dome cover needs refinishing and fitted with 24 new studs to secure it.  The regulator to be overhauled and re-fitted.  Several wasted rivets need replacing and new washout plugs fitted.

Foundation ring

Replace foundation ring rivets; replace ashpan and grate carrier studs and re-caulk copper and steel plate work.

Outer firebox throat plate

Cut out and replace corroded platework from the front bottom corners, fit mud hole doors and washout plugs, fit new Monel metal stays as necessary.

Outer firebox side sheets and top wrapper

Replace washout plugs and mud hole doors.  Refinish safety valve pads and fit replacement studs, similarly with the manifold pad.

Firebox backhead

Refinish the pads for backhead boiler fittings, fit new studs for other boiler mountings such as steam brake, gauges and firehole door runners.

Copper firebox

Replace rivets and patch screws on lower lap joints; build up edges of the copper lap near the grate and replace the Monel metal stay nuts on the lower section of the tubeplate and elsewhere as necessary; repair existing copper stay heads; replace crown stay nuts, re-cut fusible plug holes and fit fusible plugs.

Tubes

Supply and fit 156 smoke tubes and 24 flue tubes.

Hydraulic and steam tests

Carry out these tests for the boiler inspector.

Superheater

The existing superheater elements will be refurbished and fitted following the hydraulic and steam tests.

Funding

The cost of overhaul of the boiler is estimated to be in the order of £150,000 and the fund is off to a good start.  We welcome investments into the boiler fund of a minimum of £20 per month or a minimum lump sum of £120. Alternatively, you can now also sponsor one of the many new Boiler components required. Either investment will be acknowledged with both a share certificate and a certificate recognising your contribution towards overhaul of the boiler.  You will also be automatically entered into a prize draw, drawn at the Annual General Meeting, to win a fine 00-gauge DCC-ready model of 76077.  Depending on your level of investment, a range of incentives is offered, too. It is important that we build a ‘fighting fund’ as quickly as possible so that we can get the boiler overhaul started.

What to do now?

You can make an immediate investment now which entitles you to regular communication from the team; the occasional magazine The Toddington Standard and the opportunity to get practically involved should you wish.  You’ll be invited to our annual Open Day too as well as an invitation to ride behind 76077 when she enters service on the GWSR.

Download and complete the Boiler Appeal Share Application Form and if you are paying monthly, the Bankers’ Order form. 

We are now also offering a range of Boiler Components of varying costs that can be sponsored. A full list of available Boiler Components and descriptions can be downloaded here. A specific Boiler Component application form can be downloaded here.

A copy of our ‘Raising Steam for 76077’ brochure can be seen below. If you would like a copy by post, email info@standard76077.com