Stumble It!
Essex Steam Aveling & Porter
NEWSFLASH - just passed our steam test!
Undergoing last bits of refurbishment at present
Should be available for steam days later this year
The Aveling & Porter 8 Ton was acquired locally in 2004. It has had a very active life, and was ready for some maintenance.
Latest storyJohn G buys the Aveling roller
August 2004
Looking for a new challenge John G successfully negotiated for the Aveling & Porter 8 ton roller FX8388 formerly owned and operated by John Dines
Detailed inspection
November 2004
We're now preparing for the boiler inspector's visit. First remove the ashpan and firebars, and have a good clean out. Then a thorough wire brushing all round the inside of the firebox.
There has been some noticeable seepage round some tubes, so we'll pull them all for a full inspection.
Remove old tubes
September 2005
Having made the decision to re-tube we need to clean up smoke box and firebox and remove the old tubes. The old tubes are removed with a tube puller and the holes cleaned up ready for the new tubes.
As boiler tubes need proper certification we got ours (and their paperwork) from Willingale
Fit new tubes
November 2005
New tubes are now being fitted. They are expanded into their tube plates for a steam-tight fit.
Hydraulic test
April 2006
Boiler retubing now complete. See the retubing pictures below. We have removed all boiler fittings (gauges, injector take-offs, blowdown valves etc) and blanked everything off ready for hydraulic test.
Now the boiler has passed we can continue with clean-up, refit boiler bits and prepare for steam test. New gauge glasses and loads of gland packing ordered ready for re-assembly.
A few more new bits
May 2007
A new castle nut for the blowdown valve, a new gauge glass fitting and a test jig needed.