Boiler test info

Hi Paul,

The boiler would need to be removed and also the cladding so that it can be given a visual inspection. It would then require a hydraulic test to twice normal working pressure to make sure it is sound. This assumes that you would want to run the loco at a club or anywhere in public.

You can usually tell just by looking at a boiler and the soldering whether it has been well made or not.

John

Thanks for that John.

Looks like it it will be staying static!

Has anyone had sight of the amendments those who take a very long time to do almost nothing are making to the boiler test code which is overdue for publication?

It is not mandatory for the boiler to be removed from the chassis in this situation and this would be at the discretion of the boiler tester.

Paul, I suggest you contact your local club for help and advice, and don't be discouraged. In any case removing the boiler is not such a difficult job.

thanks Redsetter,

we are in the nottinghamshire area so there are a few quite close to us. I'll make contact with one of them

thanks again

paul

The current Test Code covers the testing of "New" boilers and "Previously Tested" boilers Paul.

Without any previous 'Test' documentation to accompany an engine, an Inspector would have to decide whether he wished to follow the guidance for a 'New' or 'Previously Tested' boiler. As Redsetter has stated, whilst this would be up to the individual Inspector, I suspect many Inspectors would take the view that they did require a full visual inspection and a 'Shell' test (2 x Wp without fittings), followed by a 'System' test (1.5 x Wp with fittings) and Steam Test.

This 'visual' examination would involve removal of the cladding and requires "full access and visibility of all boiler surfaces" - which may also require the boiler to be removed from the engine. I think it is also worth mentioning that a "New" boiler may also have been examined at several stages of it's construction, so the Inspector would have a very good idea of what materials have been used and the quality of work involved. On an "unknown" engine, he does have to assure himself that suitable materials have been used in its construction and that sound joints exist. This is clearly very difficult from a simple external inspection with cladding in-place.

BTW - For 'previously tested' boilers - the boiler can remain mounted and clad provided the Inspector believes that he can properly examine and test it.

As John B states - this all assumes that you want to run the engine in pubic (e.g. at an MES track) - although even if not, it still makes good sense to know that your boiler (and its fittings) are safe.

The best advice (already given) is to take your engine along to your nearest MES and ask their Inspector(s) to take a look at it and advise you how they would approach it's testing. My Society doesn't charge for "advice" - nor in fact for the actual 'Tests' (although a small donation to a local Charity is welcomed). Other Societies may have different polices in this area. Whether a small charge was made (or not) this would still be a simple and sensible next step to take.

Clive - I understand that the current 'Green' book will be replaced by three new 'Orange' books on (or about) the 1st March.

Regards,

IanT

Edited By IanT on 12/02/2018 12:43:49

"I understand that the current 'Green' book will be replaced by three new 'Orange' books on (or about) the 1st March" - I can hardly contain my excitement.

Is there any more information on the contect of the " three new 'Orange' books" and the reason for the change?

Brian

Brian, I believe that the three codes will cover:

1) Boilers above 3B/L

2) Boilers below 3B/L

3) Gas Tanks (for gas-fired locos etc.)

My understanding is that for Boilers >3B/L it is mainly a matter of improved "wording" - although some areas may well be clarified. On thinking about what little I have heard - I believe that under the new code - Pauls' loco (as discussed in this thread) would be viewed as "unknown" and therefore will require a full 'Shell' (2 x Wp) test. In other words this area (no documentation) is likely to now be better defined and therefore no longer discretionary.

So maybe Paul should get to his local MES sooner rather than later....

However, to me (in Gauge 3 - we have boilers both above and below 3B/L - some gas-fired) the important change lies in books 2 & 3. The new <3B/L code will be recognised by both G1MRA and 16mm - thus aligning SF/NAME with these two organisations in terms of their boiler inspection policies - something I welcome. Whether the final draft has actually been agreed yet, I've no idea and I suspect that this 'sign-off' will also probably dictate when the codes finally get released..

That's all I can tell you, because that's all I know. I will have to await the publication of the new codes (like everyone else) before we can discuss this in any more detail.

Regards,

IanT