The Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society has issued an update on work to overhaul Bulleid Merchant Navy Class Pacific steam locomotive No. 35028 Clan Line.

Following ongoing work on Clan Line’s firebox at heritage steam specialists Leaky Finders at Brixham in Devon, the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society has taken the decision to renew the locomotive’s boiler certificate for seven years. However, additional work is required before it can return to the main line, which the society aims to happen next year.

Because of the delay in returning Clan Line to the main line, the society has made all of its partners aware of its intentions and has extended its thanks for their support and understanding.

Work is progressing on the thermic syphons, and new pieces of boilerplate are being pressed into the correct shapes on a large press, which uses formers that have been produced from accurate drawings.

Several hundred firebox stays are being replaced, and whilst preparing for those some imperfections were found in the sides of the inner firebox, but as the stays were already being replaced, the sides of the inner firebox will be replaced at the same time.

Because of that work, and that the tubes and superheater elements are already being replaced, prompted the decision to go for a seven-year boiler ticket. To achieve this, a boiler inspector will require access to the whole boiler, which will necessitate the removal of the cladding and lagging. The superheater header will also need to be removed so that it can be hydraulically tested separately from the boiler.

The Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society is determined that Clan Line will come back stronger, but it needs the public’s support to do so. The society welcomes donations which can be made through its website at www.clan-line.org.uk/fundraising/