Wab794 Side Tank Badge

Wab794 Restoration Progress - 2004
Boiler Repairs

Wab794 Side Tank Badge

Back to Wab794 Restoration and Maintenance

When the boiler was inspected six years ago it found the boiler's existing conditon would allow us to run it for about 2 seasons before any tubes would require replacement.

The testing phase of the locomotive used one season and we got another season in 2003. And thus it has come time to retube the boiler in order to get reliable and dependable operation out of the steam locomotive.

These photos below show the many stages required to retube a boiler.

Blow out 20th October 2004
We removed the sniffer valves and blew out the super heater tubes, this cleared out rust and dirt from the tubes so it does not go thru the engine units.
October 2004
During October 2004 all the cab fittings have been reinstalled. This includes the steam pipes, lubricator pipes, the complete braking system. The braking system has been tested for leaks and more tests will continue to ensure that all is within code. The Wab has also been steam tested and all appears to be working well.
Water tanks back on 11th September 2004
Using the society's ganty crane to fit the the water tanks back on the Wab.
Water tanks back on 11th September 2004
Lifting the second tank back on.
The new brick arch 4th September 2004
The new brick arch is now installed a task carried out by our own staff. The bricks were made in Huntly.
New Sheeting 21st July 2004
New stainless steel sheeting has been made.
Hydraulic test 28th June 2004
A hydraulic was performed and passed after a few minor leaks were repaired. Once the loco was steam tested successfully, work began installing the new sheeting and installing a new brick arch.
Expanding tubes 8th May 2004
In the smoke box end a tool is used to expand the tubes to give a steam tight seal. A hydraulic was performed and passed after a few minor leaks were repaired. Once the loco was steam tested successfully, work began installing the new sheeting and installing a new brick arch.
Welding tubes at firebox end 3rd May 2004
Certified welder welding the tubes in at the firebox end.
Installing new tubes 17th April 2004
Installing the tubes into the boiler.
New boiler tubes 24th April 2004
We have purchased new tubes. The smoke box end needs to be pressed smaller to fit into the tube plate.
Welding boiler crack 2nd April 2004
Welding the crack.
Crack weld preparation 2nd April 2004
Preparing crack for welding.
Crack repair preparation 2nd April 2004
Firstly the crack needs to drilled and prepared for welding.
Crack repair from 1998 21st February 2004
One of the cracks repaired in 1998. It was welded from the outside only.
Inside boiler inspection 21st February 2004
While we were inside the boiler we carefully inspected the extra row of stays for cracks from the inside. We did found a couple, a photo above shows the crack being repaired.
Escaping boiler via sand dome 21st February 2004
Once the tubes were removed we can then get into the boiler. This shows Mike Higgie attempting to climb out of the boiler through the steam dome. Its a very tight fit.
Inside boiler 14th February 2004
Inside the boiler. The scale came off the tubes when they were removed from the boiler.
Tube Plate with removed tubes 4th February 2004
Tube plate showing the removed tubes.
Removing orginal tubes 4th February 2004
Removing the orginal tubes. Notice the steps made to allow easy access into the smoke box.
Grinding Tube Welds 28 Janurary 2004
Mike Barnes grinding back the welds on the tubes.
Removing smoke box door 28 January 2004
Removing the smoke box door.
Wab stripped to boiler 13 December 2003
The Wab stripped back to the boiler.
Removing sand domes and lagging 22 November 2003
Removing the sand domes and lagging.
Removing Water tanks 19 November 2003
Removing the water tanks.

Back to Wab794 Restoration and Maintenance