Members working on the new build P2 2-8-2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales have paid a visit to Meiningen to discuss and view the progress being made on the locomotive’s boiler.

The trip over to the DB works in Germany proved very successful. Talks were held regarding certification issues surrounding the boiler, which have taken longer to resolve than expected.

On this visit, an agreement was reached by both teams and supported by the inspection, testing, and certification body TUV, to allow the final stages of the boiler’s construction to commence.

Work will include the installation of supporting brackets for the barrel foot, regulator handle and other fittings, along with installation of the washout doors.

Once these have been completed, the boiler tubes will be installed before a hydraulic test can be undertaken. Having passed the test, the boiler will be painted to protect it from the elements during its transportation to Darlington.

Once in the UK, two accommodation bogies from Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe depot will house the biggest asset of the new build project while it undertakes steam tests before it can be lifted onto the locomotive’s frames.

Following the departure of the P2 boiler from Meiningen, a third boiler, acting as a spare for both Tornado and Prince of Wales, will take its place in the workshop.