The 5305 Locomotive Association has sent RailAdvent an exclusive loco update on the overhaul of 777 Sir Lamiel.

Rather soon after the news was announced that the 5305 Locomotive Association had the custodianship of Sir Lamiel, and an overhaul was on the cards, volunteers made a start on preparing Sir Lamiel for the overhaul.

Initial work has focused on the boiler and smokebox, with the main steam pipes in the smokebox being prepared for removal.

The blast pipe has also been lifted out; unfortunately, a new one will be needed as a small area has broken off. Luckily, the group expected this and a replacement is available to be refitted.

The petticoat pipe has also been removed but has been found to be in a bad condition, so will also need replacing.

Early September saw the boiler tubes starting to be removed as well as the washout plugs. The bolts connecting the boiler and smokebox to the frames have been made ready for removal in preparation for the boiler lift – the cab roof has also been made ready to be lifted.

Both the smoke deflectors and shifting valves have been removed as well as boiler cladding and insulation on the cylinders.

By the beginning of October, 73 boiler tubes still needed the ends cutting in the firebox to allow them to be removed.

The boiler is now nearly ready for removing, with a few bolts remaining on the front mounting bracket. However, Chairman of the 5305 Locomotive Association, Alan Berck-May, has told RailAdvent that a move to the pit road is needed to access these bolts.

Valve and cylinder covers have been removed, which means pistons and valves can now be accessed to be removed.

Work in the next month will see the continued preparation for the boiler lift with the dome cover and lid to be removed as well as the regulator valve.

Once all of the tubes have been removed, a team will be working inside the boiler cleaning the barrel out prior to an initial boiler inspection.

A fundraising programme was announced last month to help with the overhaul of the locomotive.

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