Following the report from Daniela Works about the condition of the cannon box castings and the conclusion that they cannot be rectified there was a meeting in November at DLW with Daniela, Brian Hall (B17 Trust) and myself to review the cannon box patterns to understand what improvements could be made to them to produce more robust castings.  Each specific finding in the report was reviewed and an improvement proposed such as increasing wall thickness or flange thickness to increase strength, increasing wall thickness around mounting bolts and measuring internal web positions to drawing.  We also looked at the machining allowance the castings allowed to clean up mating faces and bearing locations and diameters. Brian was invited to the meeting as the B17 will use the same cannon box design so an extra pair of castings will be ordered by the B17 Trust which will give an economy of scale.  In January Daniela produced a report detailing the findings of our meeting. The report has been reviewed and accepted. The next step is to meet with the pattern designers and casting company William Cook Cast Products and review the feasibility, timing and cost for the proposed modifications.

The next big-ticket item to arrive at Darlington Locomotive Works (DLW) will be the P2's new boiler. As has been communicated previously, this has been delayed in arrival due to the pandemic and a need to ensure that delivery quality is not compromised, the latter being a concern following issues with Tornado's overhauled boiler.

Whilst the above issues have been frustrating, it has also been necessary to ensure that the boiler is constructed in line with standards and approved by the independent certification body, TÜV Thuringen. This benchmark protects the investment being made and gives everyone certainty, critical when moving a pressure vessel between countries. This has also been made more complicated by changes in legislation since Tornado's boiler was first built and further changes since Brexit.

It is pleasing to report that there is now an agreed position between DB Meiningen and TÜV Thuringen, with a number of small items to be closed out. Whilst the work scope is expected to take no more than two weeks to conclude there is a slight pause ahead of this due to new cranes being fitted in the DB Meiningen boiler shop, adding a further two weeks to complete this welcome investment by DB. There will then be a further meeting at DB Meiningen in mid-March to confirm those snagging works are concluded and any final issues to be addressed, all paperwork is in order and so forth. This will then lead to tubing of the boiler and the necessary hydraulic test to 375psi.

The delays have been disappointing for all concerned but there is now a clear route to delivery of the boiler. DB Meiningen are planning to dispatch the boiler in April, subject to no unforeseen issues. In Darlington, preparation to receive the boiler is underway and this involves consideration of boiler accommodation bogies that will allow for movement in the works, or a dedicated wagon onto which the boiler can be placed. Both options are being costed, with potential sponsorship having a bearing on the decision.

We will of course keep you updated on the progress with the next work phase, the outcome of the meeting in March, and how we plan to accommodate the boiler at DLW this Spring.