Savage Centre Engine Update
On Friday I called in at Alton Engineering in Derbyshire and was able to see the startling progress on our new boiler for the Savage Centre Engine which Jack, Ian and Ed are overhauling for us – with the target of the beginning of May to return the gallopers ride to steam for the first time in over 50 years. A selection of images follow…
Below: The original boiler fusible plug showing a quite alarming repair! Presumably it was considered OK at the time as the engine ran like this, but to us it is a spectacular example of what we simply would not/could not tolerate today! Due to wear in the crown of the inner firebox around the plug, a patch was welded over and the plug fitted to this. OK, the plate is under compression, but…
Below: Another view inside the old inner firebox. There is a lot of wear evident around the tube ends, and as these boilers were made of thinner plate than normal (for lightness), we are well justified in seeking to build an entirely new boiler (with full CE marking) and keep this one intact as an untouched example of past practice and techniques.
Below: An external view of the boiler stripped down – the engine (cylinders/motion) is extremely worn and is currently also being rebuilt.
Below: The new front tubeplate.
Below: The new foundation ring and firehole ring ready to be riveted into place once the inner and outer fireboxes are united. The new barrel is behind.
Below: The new inner firebox. These boilers have girder stays rather than crown stays and Ed was in the process of drilling and tapping these.
Below: The new outer firebox. The guys are producing this at an amazing rate, to drawings prepared by Graham Morris and approval/compliance by Royal Sun Alliance, per the procedure we followed for Coffee Pot No.1 – see this blog archive and Coffee Pot’s blog on the Beamish website.
I have recently restored a savage engine to working condition. Happily the boiler was in much better condition than yours! I had a retube and strengthened with 4 stay tubes. I know my engine had a new front tube plate at some time and they didn’t fit an inspection hatch at the top of the tube plate, as you haven’t done either. I would be interested to know if the original drawings you have show and inspection/cleaning/re-tubing hand hole access door at the top of the front tube plate, my drawings certainly do. Just interested really!steve kent. Kenty1952@sky.com