On Saturday 11th October, for the first time since the devastating flooding of November 2023, our volunteers began work on bringing steam back to County Down.
As part of the previous week’s massive shunt, we moved 150-year-old tank engine No. 90 from the damaged Maghera Shed over to the Workshop so we can restart work on its boiler overhaul. This involves disconnecting the boiler, removing it from the frames, and sending it off to a specialist for testing and maintenance. We’ll carry out work on the rest of the loco while the boiler is away, including overhauling its axles and valve gear.
Our volunteers clearly couldn’t wait to get us back in steam – we had over ten people working on 90 at the same time, so we made an incredible amount of progress in just one day. The team removed the front of the cab, which will allow the boiler to be removed from the loco; stripped the boiler of its metal cladding and lagging (insulation); and disconnected major auxiliary fittings, including the manifold, injectors, and whistle. We had an especially good turnout among our young volunteers – an overhaul like this is a fantastic opportunity to pass on traditional skills to our newer members.
We don’t know exactly when 90 will be back in steam, but we’re hoping to have O&K No. 3 back in action at some point next year. We also plan to launch a fundraising appeal for 90’s overhaul over the next few months. Watch this space for updates…
When the overhaul is complete, No.90 will be the oldest operational steam locomotive on the island of Ireland. You can read about No.90’s history here.
