Cleaning out the boiler.

 

In the week leading up to Christmas, now that the front tube plate has been removed giving easier access, the boiler was cleaned out.  There were many buckets of scale that had to be emptied out.

The view from the front, looking towards the firebox tube plate.  The main steam pipe is prominent, also the longitudinal stays, which still have their nuts attached because a hole was simply cut in the front tube plate to release them.

A close up of the firebox tubeplate.

The view has been taken from the firebox end, looking towards the front.

 

Front tube plate removal.

 This week we have removed the front tube plate, first hundreds of rivets holding it in place had to be burnt out.  Then the main steam pipe would not release it, here it is being heated.

 

 Then, after being heated, apparently the best method of freeing it is to throw a bucket of cold water at it, this shocks it into submission.  This then creates the illusion that the boiler is in steam.

  

 The tube plate finally gave up and came out.  Whilst hanging from the overhead gantry, it has revolved, showing the remaining ends of the tubes still attached.

 

 An easier route into the boiler now.  The main steam pipe and longitudinal stays can be seen inside at the top.

The old tube plate on top of the new one, this is to check the dimensions of the new one.

 

Cab floor removed.

 Another small step this week, the cab floor has been removed.  A good move as the corners of it were at head height when walking past and easy to bang your head against.