On Wednesday 3rd March Kilmersdon underwent her annual cold boiler inspection by the Boiler Inspector. Nigel Smart had been at Washford for some days preparing her for the inspection. During the examination it was found that there could be serious corrosion on the top row of boiler tubes and so the boiler inspector requested that the one he could see the most of was removed for closer inspection.

 

Over the next couple of days Nigel removed the suspect tube, he cut it through at the point where the corrosion was at it's worst and cleaned it for the boiler inspector to have a closer examination. It could now be seen that the corrosion was not as deep as it had appeared and the boiler inspector required only that tube to be replaced. Luckily there was a suitable tube on site at Washford and on Sunday 7th March Ray Lee (Ex WSR and now from the SDR workshops at Buckfastleigh) came down to Washford and helped Nigel fit the new tube. Nigel will now refit all the parts removed for the inspection fill the boiler again and then gently warm her through bringing her up to working pleasure over 24 hours. The boiler inspector is returning on Friday 19th march for the live steam test so all being well Kilmersdon will be ready for the Gala and shunting duties at Washford the next day.