Boiler order for brand new G5 placed
The very first component of brand new ‘G5’ 0-4-4T No. xxx has been ordered, the boiler and firebox.
As a clear mark of intent from the G5 Steam Locomotive Co. who are recreating the lost Worsdell designed passenger tank have recently (early November) awarded the contact to the ‘Great Northern Steam Company Ltd’, in Darlington to build the boiler, as well as ordered the flanged plates from Israel Newton’s in Bradford.
Chairman of the G5 Steam Locomotive Co. Mike Wood said: “We have always felt that we must start construction with something major to distinguish ourselves from other new build projects, as well as to prove we mean business. As the boiler is the largest, most costly and most difficult part of any locomotive, with this order the ‘G5’ project has really taken a significant leap forward.”
The boiler designs were finally approved by Lloyds in early 2007, and almost immediately, discussions with boiler manufacturers were started, in order to establish final and accurate costings for the boiler. In a complete variation from the original plans, the boiler will be fully welded, to enable it to comply with modern pressure vessel regulations. “This is a boiler for the 21st Century” said Chairman Mike Wood.” “In the future there is a real danger that inspectors will not understand riveted boilers, and that boilers be failed because inspectors do not understand them!” “ This new design will overcome any such problem.” All boiler stays will also be welded.
The boiler is expected to be completed and ready for steam test within a year. The boiler itself, being a relatively small round topped design will be significantly cheaper than many overhauls of existing boilers, not to mention new builds.
Although manufacture of the boiler plates is being outsourced to Newton’s, it is still intended to construct the remainder of locomotive parts in Darlington, where all 110 of the original ‘G5’s were built.
Construction of other components of the locomotive is soon to start at Darlington with the first item on the agenda being the rear bogie. In addition, construction of the cylinder block is currently also under consideration. Both traditional casting and more modern fabrication methods are being considered by the G5 consortium.
The new ‘G5’, No. xxx, is one of only two members of the class never to have received a British Railway’s number, is hopefully intended to run upon the either the Weardale Railway & / or the Wensleydale Railway.
However, once completed, it will be making numerous visits to other former North Eastern lines, and possibly travel further a field.
The very first component of brand new ‘G5’ 0-4-4T No. xxx has been ordered, the boiler and firebox.
As a clear mark of intent from the G5 Steam Locomotive Co. who are recreating the lost Worsdell designed passenger tank have recently (early November) awarded the contact to the ‘Great Northern Steam Company Ltd’, in Darlington to build the boiler, as well as ordered the flanged plates from Israel Newton’s in Bradford.
Chairman of the G5 Steam Locomotive Co. Mike Wood said: “We have always felt that we must start construction with something major to distinguish ourselves from other new build projects, as well as to prove we mean business. As the boiler is the largest, most costly and most difficult part of any locomotive, with this order the ‘G5’ project has really taken a significant leap forward.”
The boiler designs were finally approved by Lloyds in early 2007, and almost immediately, discussions with boiler manufacturers were started, in order to establish final and accurate costings for the boiler. In a complete variation from the original plans, the boiler will be fully welded, to enable it to comply with modern pressure vessel regulations. “This is a boiler for the 21st Century” said Chairman Mike Wood.” “In the future there is a real danger that inspectors will not understand riveted boilers, and that boilers be failed because inspectors do not understand them!” “ This new design will overcome any such problem.” All boiler stays will also be welded.
The boiler is expected to be completed and ready for steam test within a year. The boiler itself, being a relatively small round topped design will be significantly cheaper than many overhauls of existing boilers, not to mention new builds.
Although manufacture of the boiler plates is being outsourced to Newton’s, it is still intended to construct the remainder of locomotive parts in Darlington, where all 110 of the original ‘G5’s were built.
Construction of other components of the locomotive is soon to start at Darlington with the first item on the agenda being the rear bogie. In addition, construction of the cylinder block is currently also under consideration. Both traditional casting and more modern fabrication methods are being considered by the G5 consortium.
The new ‘G5’, No. xxx, is one of only two members of the class never to have received a British Railway’s number, is hopefully intended to run upon the either the Weardale Railway & / or the Wensleydale Railway.
However, once completed, it will be making numerous visits to other former North Eastern lines, and possibly travel further a field.