Engineering Update - May 2025

Work starts at Tyseley Locomotive Works with the securing of the middle cylinder to the frames with fitted bolts.

Although the locomotive frames have been in position for some time and the first work package identified and the order placed, we have not made any progress with the build. Tyseley Locomotive Works have had some difficulty releasing any resources to our project. This has been due in part to additional work on 71000 Duke of Gloucester and in part to unplanned work arising on Vintage Trains’ own operational rolling stock.

However, the good news is that with the 'Duke' having successfully moved to the Severn Valley Railway, work is now starting on our locomotive. Before refitting the hornguides to the frames, Tyseley Loco Works are now working on securing the middle cylinder to the frames with fitted bolts.


The middle cylinder being fitted with machined bolts, 19th May 2025. Photo by Keith Riches 

Review

While waiting for work to start, the engineering team have taken the opportunity to carry out an engineering strategy review with Tyseley Loco Works. At this critical point at the start of Tyseley Loco Works' practical engagement in the build process, we needed to be clear on our objectives and the way forward.

A special meeting at Tyseley in April confirmed that the locomotive is being built to main line standards but that the first two years of running heritage only will allow us to gain operational experience and assess the business case for and practical feasibility of main line running.

Allowing three years for the modifications, additions and certification required indicates main line running would not start before year 5 subject to feasibility.

Against this background the meeting agreed with Tyseley Loco Works on the current engineering build requirements for:

• The outside cylinders (replacement for main line)
• The tender (Fowler design, higher water capacity)
• The bogie (standard Patriot design)
• The braking system (vacuum initially).

The time line and plan will be revised to reflect the agreed way forward and will be published shortly.


The tender wheel sets at West Shed before their journey to Tyseley, where they will be refurbished.

Locomotive

Work on our wheel sets is due to recommence at Riley’s as they have progressed their factory move. Riley’s are looking to complete the wheels by September/October, which we are happy with as there is plenty of work scheduled to take place on the frames which will need to be completed in the time before delivery.


One of the driving wheels undergoing the first stage of work at Riley's in November 2024. Work will now resume on the other driving wheels now that their premises move is complete.
Photo by Keith Riches

Boiler

As reported in Warrior 64, good progress is continuing to be made by Heritage Boiler Steam Services.

Meanwhile at the April strategic review meeting with Tyseley Loco Works, we considered the timing for completion of the boiler construction at HBSS. We agreed that a break point was needed in the programme to ensure that pressure testing could take place as close as possible to the completion of the locomotive, thus giving us the opportunity to optimise the certification timing.

We agreed that the existing programme of work should be completed, except for fitting of the tubes and the installation of the J-Pipe (the latter to allow access for inspection).

The boiler would then be transferred to Tyseley Loco Works in 2026 to allow for essential boiler/chassis interface work, while stored under cover on the frames.

The boiler would then be returned to Heritage Boiler Steam Services at the appropriate time for the fitting of the tubes, hydraulic testing and certification. With storage under cover it should be possible to delay the final completion and certification by 12 to 18 months.

We will be holding a technical meeting with Heritage Boiler Steam Services as soon as possible to confirm details of our requirements going forward.


In July 2023, Heritage Boiler Steam Services held their first open day and 5551's new boiler was on display. As reported good progress continues to be made with a view to moving the boiler to Tyseley in 2026 before returning to HBSS for comepletion. Photo by Pete Sikes

Tender

Discussions have been held with Leaky Finders and it is hoped that a meeting can be planned during May/June to decide on actions to be taken to move forward with the next stage of the build.


CAD cross-section illustration showing the plan to increase  the water capacity in 5551's tender.


The tender frames freshly painted at Leaky Finders. Photo courtesy of Leaky Finders

Update compiled by Kevin West, Design Engineer and Keith Riches, Project Director