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B12 BOILER APPEAL
(Photo: Ben Boggis)
SOCIETY CHAIRMAN DAVID (HARRY) HARRIS WRITES-full text
THE B12 BOILER APPEAL
It seems hard to imagine, but 13 years ago the B12 returned
from Germany and steamed for the first time since 1962. The
locomotive has proved a real crowd puller on our own North
Norfolk Railway, and has made a number of excursions
elsewhere - to the Great Central Railway, the Severn Valley
Railway and a starring role in London Underground’s last
‘Steam on the Met’ event – where she was well received.
Over those 13 years we have built on the work undertaken at
Kloster Mansfeld to gradually improve the condition of the
loco which has now run over 25,000 miles in service. For
example:-
In 1997 the lower firebox outer wrapper plates were
replaced, together with all stays that are hidden behind the
frames when the boiler is in place, fire hole securing
rivets replaced and new set screws fitted to the firebox
flange plates.
In 2001 new valve and pistons and liners were installed,
together with a brand new smokebox with the assistance of a
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant.
Over the winter of 2001 / 2 the boiler was completely
retubed with new superheater flues and tubes, new sling
stays installed, major copper welding to the firebox and new
main steam pipes manufactured and fitted.
In 2003 new superheater elements were made and fitted.
Over the period 2005 / 6 the locomotive received an
extensive intermediate mechanical overhaul that included
tyre turning, re-metalled axel boxes that involved major
attention to the thrust and bearing surfaces, refurbished
motion and brake gear and a completely overhauled front
bogie. The opportunity was also taken to refurbish the
previously troublesome Westinghouse air pump.
Some of this work has been quite involved and has meant the
locomotive has perhaps not had as many operating days in
recent months as we would have liked. But the B12 has seen
good use on the NNR this year, culminating in the Steam
Dream on June 30/July 1, with B12, N7 and J15 all working
together for the first time in 50 years.
The B12’s boiler ticket expires this year and the flue tubes
are at the end of their life. The locomotive is now due for
it’s 10 year overhaul and we are seeking your help to get
this completed as soon as we can.
What needs to be done?
Until the locomotive boiler is removed from the frames and
thoroughly inspected, it’s hard to judge how much we’ll have
to do. In addition to the usual stays, tubes and plate work
we expect there may be a requirement for heavier additional
work on the boiler.
With regard to the rest of the locomotive, thanks to our
previous programme of remedial work the “bottom half” is in
pretty good shape. We will, however, take the opportunity to
continue with continuous improvement as and where
appropriate. In particular, big ends will need re-metalling
and the tender needs some work.
How much will it cost?
Our current estimates suggest we can look forward to a bill
of around £200,000.
Fortunately, thanks to the tremendous support of our members
and the regular contributions of our Wandering 1500 Club, we
have nearly £100,000 in the bank. We are therefore already
half way towards our target.
Please help us raise the other half so we can get 1572
overhauled and returned to traffic, hauling trains on the
North Norfolk Railway and giving pleasure to thousands of
people every year.
When and how will the work be done?
The work will be undertaken at the NNR Weybourne Works,
using direct, contract and volunteer labour as appropriate.
Work will begin as soon as finance and other resources
allow. At this early stage, I can’t promise a completion
date – but the Council and I are very conscious that 2009 is
the Society’s 50th anniversary, and a newly-overhauled B12
would be a great centrepiece for our celebrations!
How you can help
There are various ways in which you can help:-
A single donation. Please use the form (Click
here for form).
A regular monthly donation by standing order. This is an
ideal way to help us and may suit your circumstances better.
If every member would give us £5 per month we’d reach our
target within a year! And £10 per month is the equivalent of
a one pint of beer a week! Please use the standing order
form. (Click here for
the form.).
Please remember that if you pay UK tax you can help us make
your donations worth 28p in the pound more if you complete
the enclosed Gift Aid declaration.
Join the Wandering 1500 Club. Contributions from the members
of the Wandering 1500 Club have provided a considerable part
of the £100,000 so far raised. Ben Boggis (of 32G fame) has
taken on the management of the Club and for a regular
monthly payment members receive certain benefits. More
details are available in the Club leaflet and I know
Ben is looking to develop the club and do more for the
members who support it.
Click here for the Wandering 1500 Club leaflet.
Tell your friends, neighbours and relatives about our appeal
and spread the word. You may well find a willingness to
support our cause from some surprising sources!
All monies donated to the B12 appeal are ring fenced and
kept specifically for that purpose. This prudent policy over
the last 13 years has enabled us to accumulate the funds
that we have and with which we are able to launch our
appeal. This policy will continue on a rolling basis.
And finally……
Our next target Steam Dream is the B12 and the J15 working
together again on the NNR to celebrate the 50th anniversary
of the closure of most of the M&GN and the formation of the
M&GN Society.
If you share that dream, please help us make it come true.
Give as generously as you can to the B12 Boiler Appeal.
My thanks to you all,
Yours sincerely,
David (“Harry”) Harris
Chairman
Click here
to return to the Appeal page.
Click here
for B12 main pages
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