A Trust team of Steve Davies MBE (Chairman), Graeme Bunker-James (Commercial) and Ian Greenan (Engineering) recently visited DB Meiningen to see progress on the P2’s boiler, discuss certification issues and the resolution of those, which have taken more time than anticipated. It was also a chance to agree next steps. A thorough examination of the boiler was undertaken with the Meiningen team, and they were very open and accommodating on all of the A1 team’s questions and observations.
The visit was successful with agreement reached with DB Meiningen, supported by the TUV Certification body, that the final work on the boiler can now be completed. These tasks involve a number of washout doors to be fitted, various brackets such as for the regulator handle, the barrel foot and other fitments.
Only when all these items are completed can the large and small tubes be installed ready for a hydraulic test. We anticipate that this date is not too far off now which will then enable final painting and finishing, ready for delivery. The third boiler, creating a spare for both engines, will then take the place of Prince of Wales’ boiler in the works at Meiningen with the intention that it will first be fitted to Tornado in due course.
The boiler is the single biggest item in the P2 build and is not far away from delivery to Darlington. As reported previously we are grateful to Hitachi at Newton Aycliffe for donating two accommodation bogies which will enable the boiler to be safely housed at Darlington for steam tests ahead of it being lifted onto the frames.
To donate to the P2 project please visit a1steam.com/p2donation or to read more about the boiler and join The Boiler Club, please go to a1steam.com/p2boiler