The front plate has now been removed. Duncan is seen here needle gunning the foundation ring.

The new backplate being trial fitted. It will be cut down to size once we are happy with the fit.

Another view of the new backplate. Since this photo was taken we have started to form the plate for the front section of the firebox.

Phil and Ben check what work needs to be done to clean up the edge of the existing plate now it has been cut.

Ian and Phil grind down the edge of the cut section of throatplate

The new front section of the outer firebox trial fitted

The new section of plate on the front is trial fitted

A view from the side of the front and back plates being trial fitted

A view of the new back section.

A view of the new back section of the outer firebox. These section have been formed using the railways 50 ton hydraulic press. However there is still plenty of work to be done before they can be welding in place.

Duncan and Ian looking pleased with the days work.

Ian models the piece of welding rod that acted as a template when forming the curves on the front and back plates.

Phil starts to heat the corner of the front plate

The front plate being heat prior to being hammered into the required shape.

The boiler plate almost ready for hitting

Duncan and Phil hammering the plate

A view from above. This shows the inner firebox at the top, then foundation ring and finally at the bottom of the picture, the new plate. This will need the heat treatment several times until it fits tightly against the foundation ring.

The front plate has now been tack welded in place. Also the central mudhole door has been cut out.

Another view of the front plate

The rear plate has now also been welded in place.

Phil was working on the patch screws inside the firebox

Dun was drilling out pilot holes for one of the side plates of the outer firebox

Another view of Duncan's handy work

The other side plate was being ground down it preparation of fitting to the firebox.