The Darjeeling Tank Locomotive Trust has released an update on the progress being made to overhaul Darjeeling Tank No. 19B.

Last summer, the DTLT purchased the late Adrian Shooter’s 1889 built No. 19B for the sum of £300,000 plus auction fees.

This was made possible thanks to donations and supporters.

It was soon announced that the Statfold Barn Railway would be the base for the locomotive, and where the overhaul would be carried out.

The overhaul started in January and things were progressing well with initial dismantling inspections looking good with the usual wear and tear issues to fix.

However, the next step in an overhaul is the non-destructive and ultrasound testing.

This has revealed serious faults which means that the old copper firebox needs to be replaced.

“We learned the old copper firebox, nursed along so carefully for the last 20 years despite its patches and cracks, needs to be replaced. Additionally, some other areas of concern emerged which meant lengthy discussions about the best way forward”.

DTLT chairman Jeremy Davey

DTLT Trustees had agreed on a longer term when it comes to boiler repairs aimed at extending the boiler’s life by up to half a century before replacement or heavy repairs were needed.

The choice soon became to be either a new boiler and an overhauled chassis at around £200,000.

Alternatively, the chassis could be overhauled and then be joined by a boiler with a new inner firebox, outer wrapper, and a part replaced backhead and throatplate costing around £60,000 or less.

“Once the detailed condition reports were compiled the bad news quickly became apparent”

“The choice in essence was between funding a new boiler and overhauling the chassis estimated at £200k or overhauling the chassis and fitting the boiler with a new inner firebox, outer wrapper, and part-replacement of the backhead and throatplate costing £60k less.”

DTLT Trustee Andy Savage

After paying for loans and transport costs associated with the purchase, the DTLT says that they had managed to accumulate more than £20,000 from donations and fund-matching.

This left £100,000 to raise to return 19B to steam.

The Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust has since offered to provide work, valued at up to £50,000, towards the overhaul cost and this offer has since been accepted.

The chassis is fully funded by the DTLT and will be awaiting the repaired boiler in the future, which is expected in around 12 months time.

“We therefore have an estimated 50% of the overhaul cost and the team are pursuing several grant applications. These applications require a lot of detailed work to compile but 19B passed fireman and professional engineer Will Smith authored a very detailed well illustrated 30+ page engineering condition assessment of 19B after the complete dismantling. Much of this was used to populate the first grant application by the team.”

Treasurer Pete Jordan

Dismantling provided a number of surprises, such as the boiler, which is not the original 1889 one as thought by the trustees.

With shot-blasting complete, the team found a stamp marking “B 4977”.

The team are sure it is an original fitment, not a replacement from another boiler.

19B’s works number was 3518 whilst 4977 is an identical B class but was built 14 years later in 1903.

“Once the boiler had been shotblasted we found a stamping underneath it: ‘B 4977′. We’ve looked closely and we’re pretty sure it’s an original fitment, not a replacement ‘robbed’ from another boiler. No. 19B’s works number from Sharp. Stewart & Co’s Atlas Works in Glasgow is 3518 while B 4977 was the works number of an almost-identical B class locomotive built 14 years later in 1903.”

Will Smith

DTLT fundraising starts again, with the aim of 19B not being back in steam for another year being dependent on being able to raise £60,000.

“On behalf of the team, the exceptionally generous donations by Statfold Barn and the over 200 supporters are crucial to the overhaul and I cannot find words to tell you how grateful we are. Full details can be found at www.darjeelingtank.org.uk”

Jeremy Davey, DTLT Chairman