Ffestiniog to build new boiler for Velinheli – with help from Launceston

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JAMES Evans’ ex-Dinorwic Hunslet 0-4-0ST Velinheli is now at Ffestiniog Railway’s Boston Lodge works, where a new boiler will be constructed.

The move follows Velinheli’s appearance at London King’s Cross station in February as part of a FR promotion.

Nigel Bowman (centre) watches as the boiler plate is heated before demonstrating to FR staff how the flanged firebox plate is hammered into shape at Launceston Steam Railway’s workshops. JONATHAN MANN

Mr Evans has owned Velinheli since 1965 and wants the firebox to be of traditional flanged construction, a task not previously undertaken at FR. Launceston Steam Railway (LSR), Velinheli’s normal base, has previously built such boilers for its Hunslet 0-4-0STs Lilian and Covertcoat, and offered its expertise.

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LSR set up a flanging block and with a visiting team from Boston Lodge produced the first flanged plate. Production of a second was delayed by late arrival of a required boiler plate, but was completed by LSR staff.

Velinheli was last rebuilt in 1980 and is expected to be at FR for some time while this work is progressed. It is likely to run at both LSR and FR when completed.

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