The Darjeeling Tank Locomotive Trust has announced that it has launched a new appeal to manufacture a new boiler for 19B.

The 1903-built boiler has been found to need too many repairs to be economical when compared to making a new boiler.

Design and certification needs to be completed first before an Invitation to Tender for the construction of the boiler. This means that 19B is unlikely to return to steam until 2026.

The extended overhaul time does mean that the team can overhaul chassis and make alterations to the electrical and air supply systems, which will mean 19B can operate with and without a tender.

The total cost of the boiler is expected to be around £150,000, with some of the cost already in hand. The original estimated cost of the full overhaul was around £100,000 but with this set to double, more funds need to be raised.

To donate, please visit the Darjeeling Tank Locomotive Trust website.

“The cylinders are in really good order, the axle boxes have now been brought into line (so the wheelbase both sides is the same), the bearings in order, the lubrication much improved, and a long-standing issue with the draincocks resolved.”

“The boiler condition” Mr Davey commented “Was always the great concern and always the great question mark hanging over the overhaul. Could we get another say 20, years out of it given its age? “During the boiler examination and disassembly every time we removed a life-expired part we found more issues and little of it was going to be left if we continued so a new all-steel welded boiler to modern standards became the obvious and only sensible decision.”

Jeremy Davey

“We already have a significant part of the £150k boiler cost in hand as well as funds to re-erect the locomotive when the boiler arrives. But we require an extra £80k to finish the job. You, the supporters have got us this far in under 12 months purchasing the locomotive and coaches and being well into the overhaul.”

Treasurer Pete Jordan

“We have made an application for a £30k grant, which will take a few months to hear if we are successful. We have received new standing orders and donations covering £15k including Gift Aid, so our outstanding figure is between £50k and £80k at the moment dependant on the grant outcome.”

Trustee Andy Savage