Boiler inspection of 32678 looks positive

Some encouraging news has recently been received from K&ESR Engineering Manager Paul Wilson following an internal examination by the boiler inspector of 32678.

The success of water treatment at Rolvenden, revealed to an extent by the state of the tubes has been underlined by comments such as “light scale to surfaces generally” and only “general slight wastage”.

However there are areas that may give cause for concern down the line. There is some wastage to the front tubeplate at the six-o’clock region with slightly wasted rivet heads associated with this, and with more severely wasted rivet heads around the firebox.

A couple of holes on the rear tubeplate are damaged and will have to be reamed out whilst wasted rivets will be replaced by patch screws. Suitable sized tubes may then be ordered; after fitting an hydraulic test will be necessary before the seam test.

It is too early to surmise whether “Knowle” will make the Colonel Stephens’ Weekend in May, but at this stage we remain hopeful.

HN-15/02/2007