Update 12th October 2009

I have had the boiler checked by Farncare and they say the boiler is no good and needs to be replaced.

After extensive phone calls and a plea on traction talk, I have now given AJB Engineering the job but we haven't decided between copper or steel which will be down to the price. Steel was chosen. It should be ready Sept 2010.

Also I need a new tender as the old one is beyond repair, the copper is now with me and the tender will be underway shortly with guidance from Mark Bool who works part time for Berrybrook.

Lastly to add insult to injury I've now had to have a new cylinder block cast with heads, these are going to be machined by a top model maker who has had experience in this scale of engine named Bob.

As I am doing this project it is great the amount of people who have volunteered to help out, as without these friends there is no way I would have been able to take this project on.

My next update should be soon when I know more about the boiler.

More news added 15th November

I have recently been informed that the boiler plans have been okayed and the making of it is now underway. The cylinder block is also being machined, after us having to return the first one due to a blow hole inside the bore.

I will update you next once the block is ready and there will also be a photo of it ready to be fixed to the boiler when it arrives.