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It seems like only yesterday that we were standing in the rain at Carnforth waiting anxiously for the verdict on 70013’s main line acceptance exam. Well, it’s that time of year again, the exam was looming and we had a two-week window between railtours so we have just had the inspectors looking at Cromwell for the second time.
Of course, it isn’t just a case of turn up, have a look, write out the certificate and go away again. That would be too simple. No, before the boiler inspector can look at the boiler we have to wash it out. That entails a lot of messing about with water. Which can be enjoyable in the sort of hot weather that we have been having, but... before you get to play with the water you have to thoroughly clean out the smokebox and the firebox, roll out several tens of yards of heavy hose, and remove all the mud-hole doors and washout plugs. All in heat-wave conditions: never mind the engine, we are probably certifiable!
It isn’t a one-person task, nor is it a one-day job. So a rolling gang of people went to Southall last week to get the job done, first up were David Wright, Hugh and Alison Milton, who did the washout on Thursday in sweltering heat. They were joined on Thursday evening by Tom Tighe. The Miltons had to go back to work the following day, but John Street and Peter Maynard replaced them to keep the job progressing.
John Glaze, the boiler inspector came on Friday to carry out the cold exam and internal inspection of the boiler. Then the gang had all weekend to re-seal all the openings and warm the boiler through ready for John to carry out the steam test on Monday. Monday also saw the mechanical exam and the annual inspection of the paperwork.
As a result of the efforts of the whole team I am pleased to say that 70013 is the proud possessor of a new certificate for another year’s work on the main line. Many thanks to all of the people who gave up their time to do such a routine and unglamorous job. Thanks Guys.
By Info | Tuesday, July 7, 2009 | Tags : 70013