Henbury in Steam

Posted on April 24, 2021 by corwinb

On Wednesday 21st April, Henbury moved under its own steam for the first time since 2014. Bob drove it off shed and on a short test run, all seems well so far.

Thanks to Bruce Davies for these photos.

Henbury’s Fire is Lit

Posted on April 18, 2021 by corwinb

Work on Henbury progresses as Coronavirus restrictions are relaxed. The majority of the loco has been reassembled and today it was pulled out of the shed to have a warming fire lit. Over the next few days the loco will steadily be brought up to pressure and every joint checked.

Thanks to Rob Skuse for the photos and information.

Video – Mayflower’s Boiler Lift – April 2020

Posted on December 3, 2020 by corwinb

The 1861-built Steam Tug ‘Mayflower’ takes another step in the progress of its overhaul as the boiler is lifted back into the hull. Assisting in the operation is 1917-built Avonside ‘Portbury’ and 1951-built Stothert and Pitt ‘Crane 32’, both working exhibits and still earning their keep at M Shed Museum. Whilst the superstructure was off I took the opportunity to film some shots of the engine room with natural light, a rare occurrence! The lifting operation was undertaken by a minimum number of volunteers due to the COVID-19 situation and working regulations.

Henbury Overhaul Update – November 2020

Posted on November 19, 2020 by corwinb

Henbury’s overhauled rolling chassis has now been reunited with the boiler, allowing re-assembly to continue.
In order to do this, the temporary track was extended out of the workshop, and a commercial crane was employed to turn the frames through 90 degrees and onto the quayside track. Portbury was able to bring the boiler on its trolley down to the quayside, where it was lifted into the frames. It was nearly dark by the time the operation was completed.
Lastly, Portbury took her old stablemate back to the running shed.

Photos courtesy Bob Edwardes, with thanks.

Mayflower’s Boiler Lift

Posted on August 22, 2020 by corwinb

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 shed

Crane 32 was in charge of the lift, its higher capacity of 10 tons being ample for the 8-ton boiler

The first task was to lift off ‘Mayflower’s wheelhouse, exposing the engine room below.

‘Portbury’ brought the boiler down to the quayside

The boiler awaiting fitting of the smokebox

The 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)

Lined up successfully with its mounting points

Crane 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.

Henbury’s Boiler Passes Steam Test

Posted on December 21, 2019 by corwinb

Some rather excellent news to round off the year, Henbury’s boiler passed its steam test this week. Next comes the task of reassembly.

Thanks to Bill Drewett for the photos.

Henbury’s Boiler Returns

Posted on July 8, 2019 by corwinb

Good news as Henbury’s boiler has arrived back at M-Shed. I believe this boiler dates from 1955 as it was a new one fitted to ‘Mackenzie’ which had the winged smokebox front typical of earlier Pecketts. In or around 1960, the boiler was fitted to ‘Henbury’ which previously had a straight smokebox front.

Lots of steps still to go through on re-assembly but the boiler is one of the biggest hurdles in any overhaul!

Restoration Updates – April 2019

Posted on April 22, 2019 by corwinb

Lots has been going on, ‘Portbury’ has just finished working the busy Bank Holiday weekend.

A few weeks ago the Steam Crane’s jib was re-painted.

The Turbot’s vacuum brake cylinder was due for overhaul, so in March it was shunted out of the service train and outside the shed, where the work was carried out.

Here it is, freshly refurbished.

The BD open wagon’s repaint is pressing ahead. The planks still have a few years left in them so since the wagon won’t be carrying much in the way of loads, the scabby looking planks were simply turned around in situ.

Wagon Restoration Update – March 2019

Posted on March 19, 2019 by corwinb

The next wagon to be overhauled at M Shed is the LSWR 8 plank open mineral wagon, built 1921 and numbered as BD 27.

The below pictures show it shortly after being shunted into the shed, Bob is tracing the sign writing to use as a template later. Since these photos were taken several planks have been removed for replacement.