August 2025

August has been a landmark month for Project 62, with major progress achieved on both the eight-plank wagon and locomotive 30075. The wagon has advanced significantly, with the interior painting now underway and all twenty-eight new floor planks carefully cut to size. The frames were taken through preparation and finished in black gloss, before the white lettering was applied to bring back its original character. Further work included the fitting of new vacuum pipework, additional touch-up painting, and steady progress on the tarpaulin support bar. The planks have been treated with preservative and their ends primed and undercoated, leaving them ready for final installation.

The real highlight of the month came with 30075. Early in August the firebox and smokebox were thoroughly cleaned, the side tanks and boiler topped up, and the leaks from July’s steam test attended to. A warming fire was lit before a full steam test was carried out in the presence of Boiler Inspector Dave Wothers. He witnessed both safety valves lifting cleanly and both injectors picking up water without issue, noting no leaks of consequence, and subsequently issued the long-awaited boiler certificate. This milestone marks a major step toward the locomotive’s return to service.

Following the successful test, attention turned to post-test remedials. The insulation around the steam dome was cut and fitted, the dome cover installed and primed, and vacuum leaks discovered during a shunt for ballast train access were investigated. The joint on the left-hand injector pipe to the clack was repaired, and the manifold shut-off valve has been removed and sent away for re-brazing.

Looking ahead, the next working party will continue preparations on the wagon by fitting the vacuum gear and completing the flooring. On 30075, the re-brazed manifold valve will be refitted, the backhead cladding will begin to go on, and final leak checks will be carried out. With these tasks in hand, we are now moving decisively closer to having the locomotive available for steaming duties and earning its keep once again.

Contact us if you are interested in hiring 30075.