On Thursday 20th August 2020, steam tug ‘Mayflower’s boiler was lifted back into place. As the museum and working exhibits have been closed during the Coronavirus crisis, it was nice to be able to have them alive again. All volunteers taking part were complying with COVID-19 restrictions throughout. The lift went very smoothly, a credit to all involved. Hopefully this means the 159-year old Mayflower can be in steam again soon!
Cranes stand ready in the morning, the weather held out for us thankfully (photo courtesy Bob Edwardes)‘Portbury’ was in steam again, seen here shunting the yard to enable the boiler to be brought out of the running shedCrane 32 was in charge of the lift, its higher capacity of 10 tons being ample for the 8-ton boilerThe first task was to lift off ‘Mayflower’s wheelhouse, exposing the engine room below.‘Portbury’ brought the boiler down to the quaysideThe boiler awaiting fitting of the smokeboxThe boiler alongside Crane 32, showing the fresh lagging (photo courtesy Bob Edwardes)The smokebox (which has been renewed with fresh metal to replace rotten parts) fitted to the boiler.The boiler is eased into ‘Mayflower’ (photo courtesy Bob Edwardes, with thanks)The boiler is eased into its cradleLined up successfully with its mounting pointsCrane 32 getting ready to detach from the boiler and lift the superstructure back on (photo courtesy Bob Edwardes, with thanks)Job done for the day, ‘Portbury’ did some more shunting before heading back to the shed.
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