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.

Whilst the boiler is being worked on by paid staff, the gang have been tending to any areas of rust above the frames.

A view of 'Nettle' looking towards the works. The boiler in front is from the H-Class

Some of the primer paint had begun to flake. To prevent it from rusting, this was stripped back and fresh primer added/

A view of 178 from the front

The boiler is progressing well.

Welding work continues and Ben was countersinking the holes for the rivets

A closeup of on the the new side plates

A view of the new backplate

A view of the other side of 178 boiler.