February/March 2026

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Although still in the grip of a cold and wet winter, our efforts very much moved towards preparation for the summer steamings, particularly as last year was rather lacking in that department. The paint job behind the Engine Room pumps was completed and the replacing of the timber walkway started. The problem was that we couldn’t quite remember which bit went where. It was something like a jigsaw puzzle with large pieces. Persistence paid off and the various planks and support timbers are now in position. Also down below, those valves previously removed from the boiler as part of our rolling program received final attention before returning to their rightful positions. It is fair to say that access to some of the valves is somewhat awkward, particularly those located in the valve box just forward of the funnel. Bending over into the valve box with the valves below the level of your feet whilst you bolt up the flanges is much less that comfortable. Moving aft to the galley, the stovepipe was showing its’ age, the section protruding through the deck was very rusty, so this has been cut off at deck level and a new section of heavy gauge acquired which needs to be welded into place, and the lower section coupled up in order to return the galley range to working condition. Previous Newsletters had referred to the need to install a high-level condenser suction to prevent lifting silt and mud into the condenser and pumps. The required valve assembly was fitted during our dry docking, but a suitable grill to prevent debris entering the system was omitted. Away from the vessel at our Todmorden workshop, as suitable heavy-duty grill has been fashioned, together with a steel boss to which the grill will be bolted. Our plan is that during our first sailing out into the river, we will tie up along the quay wall, dry out on the ebbing tide, weld the boss to the hull, and bolt on the grill. This should then allow us to navigate the River Weaver without sucking up half the river bed! All being well and subject to a successful live steam boiler inspection in April, the vessel is planned to attend the Steam at the Lift event at Anderton on the 9th and 10th May.

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