Latest overhaul update on steam locomotive 21C123 “Blackmoor Vale”

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Latest overhaul update on steam locomotive 21C123 “Blackmoor Vale”

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21C123's New Inner Firebic showing Firehole Door // Credit SDRE
21C123's New Inner Firebic showing Firehole Door // Credit SDRE

The Bulleid Society have released an update on the overhaul of their steam locomotive – Southern Railway West Country Class No.21C123 “Blackmoor Vale”.

21C123's New Inner Firebox showing Front Tubeplate // Credit SDRE
21C123’s New Inner Firebox showing Front Tubeplate // Credit SDRE

Brand New Inner Firebox

South Devon Railway Engineering have been progressing well on the construction of the brand new inner firebox for “Blackmoor Vale”.

As can be seen from the photos taken earlier in June, the inner firebox is inside a jig, with the top, sides, front and back welded in place.

Welding has started on joining the throat plate and front tubeplate. The thermic syphons, which help circulate water in the boiler as well as heating the water, can be seen fixed in the firebox and will eventually be fitted inside the diaphragms.

21C123's New Inner Firebox showing Thermic Syphons // Credit SDRE
21C123’s New Inner Firebox showing Thermic Syphons // Credit SDRE

New Inner Firebox Appeal

Replacing the inner firebox is one of the biggest tasks in 21C123’s ongoing overhaul, also being an expensive item.

Costing just under £200,000 to build and fit the new inner firebox, the Bulleid Society is seeking your help to fund this major work. Donations big or small are very appreciated and put “Blackmoor Vale” one step closer to steaming again.

For more information or to support the Bulleid Society, please visit their website here.

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    1. She’s named a after a Moor:

      “Moorland or moor is a type of habitat found in upland areas in temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands and montane grasslands and shrublands biomes, characterised by low-growing vegetation on acidic soils. … The boundary between tundra and moorland constantly shifts with climatic change”.

      Not more:

      “a greater or additional amount or degree”.

  1. What grade of steel is used? What type of welding wire (gold) seems to be a hell of alot of money for shaped mild steel welded togethet

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