Foden overtype wagon

Hello. Sure it’s been asked before but Considering buying a Foden freelance overtype model about 31/2” scale which dates from around the 1930’s. It’s been dry stored and unused for approx 50 years. The copper boiler looks in good condition but of course it’s got no certification/paperwork.

Does this automatically mean the boiler is scrap or is it possible to get it examined by an independent boiler inspector with a view to getting it tested and certified? The design pressure is 60 psi.

Thanks. Peter.

Judging by its age, the copper boiler will probably have soft-soldered and nutted stays in the firebox; the whole thing may even have been riveted up and soft-solder caulked rather than silver-soldered. It almost certainly won't conform to the latest ideas of boilermaking.

Without your boiler inspector having a good look at it, it's very likely that yes, it's scrap - but who knows?

Make your assessment of the purchase by assuming that it will need a new boiler. At least you could increase the boiler pressure with a new boiler!

Thanks for the reply. Conclusion is that its going to need a new boiler but most clubs seem to have there own inspectors.

Only independent inspector that keeps cropping up is John Glaze Does anyone know if he’s active or had any recent dealings with him?

Before you consider scrapping the boiler, consider if it was constructed correctly to the current drawings at the time. There is aboslutely nothing stopping it being hydraulically tested to the load you require, and 'if' it fails you will have your answer.

Regards

Without dismantling it was almost impossible to gauge what the boiler construction was so decided to leave it alone especially as it was priced at offers over £5k. We spotted it at the Great Dorset Steam Fair last week and rather annoyingly I seem to have lost the pics I took of it!

However, for about the same money saw this 4" Ruston Proctor which had been constructed from a Wiston engineering kit.

Appealed as its complete and had worked when first constructed but needs more finishing/sorting, came with lots of documentation including boiler cert so took the plunge.

Wonder if anyone else has one?

Peter