Dunrobin – November 2012 update…
Work on Dunrobin’s boiler is making steady progress at Bridgnorth. The photos in the gallery below show the new barrel sections have also been obtained and these are being marked for drilling. Also visible are the butt straps that mechanically join the two ends of the rolled barrel together, though in modern practice these are augmented by an approved weld. The firebox lower doorplate and throatplate sections are now welded into position and await testing before the welds are dressed and the side panels removed and replaced. The barrel will then be removed in order to fit the new pieces, giving substantial progress to the shell of the boiler. Meanwhile, a sample of copper from the inner firebox has been sent for testing in order to establish a repair method for wear to the firehole door area and some of the flanging. Drawings for the new girder stays are in preparation and before too long the new foundation ring will be ordered. There then follows a lot of drilling and tapping for the side stays. The enormous scale of the reconstruction is thus very evident, but one which should be fit for many years service once completed.
On another note, we were very sorry to hear of the recent passing of Robert Atkinson, a stalwart of Beamish’s Friends organisation for many years. Robert was a great believer in the operation of the exhibits at Beamish and was involved in countless restoration projects, such as the SOS bus. He was very supportive of me and my early endeavours when I began my museum career here and we offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends, who were all able to so readily draw upon his extensive knowledge of the Museum and the region’s road transport history.
Hi just read your website i knew robert w atkinson from my school days and working as a volenteer on the old farm and getting the first boiler test on the steam navy i was also invoved bringing back the milking palour from londonderry sad to hear” chip” as we used to call him passed away how old was he and what did he die from i bet he is missed at beamish