In late May this year, BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4 tank engine No. 80097, which had only completed a 34-year restoration in 2018, suffered a cracked small boiler tube which put it out of action until it was replaced.

After completing its restoration, the locomotive underwent trials and was restored to service on 1st March 2019 at Bury on the East Lancashire Railway. Restoration included installation of the boiler, which had been rebuilt with 75% new components and had cost the Group £ 120,000.

Due to Covid restrictions the loco was unable to run from early-2020 until May 2021.

Unfortunately, this was the second tube to fail since the boiler was rebuilt. A boiler inspector had therefore to be called in, who deemed that all 157 small tubes must be replaced.

The BS4G workshop team quickly sprang into action. They removed the running boards, main steam pipes, and superheater elements. They demolished the firebox brick arch to gain access to the failing tubes, which could then be removed. New tubes were obtained and fitted and machined into place, and a new brick arch was built.

After carrying out hydraulic and steam tests, the boiler inspector approved the work and gave permission to complete the build and refit the steam pipes and other parts. A final steam inspection was then carried out and 80097 returned to traffic on Friday, 5th August, just over two months since it failed.

This was a fantastic effort from the volunteer Bury Standard 4 Group workshop team, and they acknowledge the help given to them by a skilled colleague and the East Lancashire Railway’s locomotive team.

This exercise was completely unexpected, as all steam tubes should last a minimum of five years. It has dealt the group’s finances a severe blow as each of the 157 tubes costs £50, on top of which is the cost of the professional expertise that had to be brought in.

The group has set up a ‘Sponsor a Tube’ appeal, which has already had a magnificent response with 82 of the 157 tubes already paid for. If anyone would like to ‘Sponsor a Tube’, donations can be made via the group’s website at https://www.burystandard4group.org.uk/