80064 – the journey to running on the WSR
Flue tubes are out
It’s the first week of March and the flue tubes have now been removed to allow the engineering inspection to undertake a thorough internal examination which will inform the scope of work required to return the boiler to service. The first image is a view from inside the firebox showing the empty boiler barrel.
A reminder that WSRA supporter Joe Rogers is running the London Marathon in April to help raise funds for the restoration of this locomotive. He’s now into some serious training so please consider supporting him in his endeavours to support the restoration of 80064.
The Smoke box is out
It’s the first week of February and the Smoke Box is now out and Joseph Rogers is in serious training for the London Marathon to fundraise for 80064.
WSRA supporter Joe Rogers is running the London Marathon in April to help raise funds for the restoration of this locomotive. He’s now into some serious training so please consider supporting him in his endeavours to support the restoration of 80064.
The big boiler lift
The work has progressed to the point where we need to lift the boiler out to examine it and see what’s needed. So on the 28th November the big crane was called in and the boiler lifted out.
As the disassembly work progresses the team are gaining a better understanding of what is needed to return her to steam. This is likely to be more than first estimated as a number of unexpected issues are emerging so please consider making a donation using the button below.
Continuing the Disassemble
The work to disassemble the loco progresses a little each week. The photos below are from the Tuesday group of volunteers. The new container is now in place with suitable shelving for parts storage and the work continues.
As the disassemble progresses we will have a better understanding of the full cost of restoring this loco. Based on current knowledge, we estimate that it will be at least £250,000, so please consider making a donation using the button below.
The start of the big disassemble
Following the WSR Spring Steam Spectacular when the loco was on display for visitors to view, it was taken back into the shed for the work to begin.
Alongside the planning and costing work the dismantling has also begun. A new container has been purchased to securely store the parts so they can be cleaned and restored in due course. In May 2024 a volunteer team began the dismantling work. Images are courtesy of Mike Wightman and Steve Wosley.
The team still needs more volunteers. If you’d like to get involved and can spare some time to work on our locos at Williton please contact the lead Trustee Jeff Price for more details.