Scale model inspection and overhaul
The same exacting standards for inspection and overhaul of full-size steam locomotives are applied equally to live steam models.
Each scale model inspection has its own fully-itemised schedule of work, which includes:
- an initial examination to determine whether the boiler needs repairing or rebuilding
- a written scope of work, with the schedule tailored to the specific requirements of the project
- a breakdown of each stage of the repair, restoration or rebuilding process.
See the gallery below for a portfolio of recent boiler inspection and overhaul projects by John Glaze.
Portfolio of scale model inspection and overhaul
5″ gauge GWR ‘River’ class 2-4-0 tender locomotive
Full assessment (1998): after long-term storage, the locomotive needed repairs to the regulator and boiler fittings, before boiler testing.
10¼” gauge LMS ‘Royal Scot’ class 4-6-0 locomotive no. 6100
Boiler examination and testing (2013): the steel boiler was re-tubed, examined and tested to make sure it fully complied with current boiler regulations.
5″ gauge GWR ‘4300’ class 2-6-0 locomotive no. 5355
Full mechanical overhaul (2014): the locomotive was not steaming or performing well; it needed new piston rings, a re-draughted blast pipe, and steam testing.
7¼” gauge BR standard class 2-10-0 9F locomotive no. 92220, “Evening Star”
Boiler replacement (2015): this locomotive, bought by a dealer, had no provenance and was brought to me for boiler examination and testing; the boiler failed the test, and needed to be replaced.
5″ gauge GWR ‘4575’ class 2-6-2 locomotive no. 5571
Full mechanical overhaul (2006 to 2012) including a new boiler, platework, fittings and pipework, and a full repaint and steam testing prior to commissioning.
5″ gauge GNR ‘Stirling Single’ class 4-2-2 locomotive no. 47 and tender
Full mechanical and boiler overhaul (2013): the locomotive needed new boiler fittings, and new pipework needed to be made and fitted; the tender needed a full mechanical overhaul.
5″ gauge BR(NE) ‘B1’ class 4-6-0 tender locomotive no. 61003, “Gazelle”
Full mechanical and boiler overhaul (2014): the locomotive had seized up, due to poor storage conditions; it needed new fittings and pipework, many components stripping out and repairing, and a full repaint.
5″ gauge GWR ‘King’ class 4-6-0 locomotive no. 6026, “King John”
Full mechanical and boiler overhaul (2007): after being on exhibition, the locomotive needed a number of new components, a complete repaint and lining out.
5″ gauge GWR ‘5700’ class 0-6-0 PT locomotive
Full mechanical overhaul (2013): the locomotive was worn out – the cab, bunker and tanks all needed replacing. (The project was undertaken for the late Mr M Heaven.)
5″ gauge BR class 2MT 2-6-0 tender locomotive no. 78022 “Red Dragon”
Boiler testing (2015): boiler testing prior to being sold; the boiler was examined, and the photos show the locomotive after the hydrostatic and steam tests.
5″ gauge BR (LMS) ‘Duchess’ class 4-6-2 tender locomotive
Full mechanical overhaul (2015): after long-term storage, the locomotive needed a comprehensive overhaul to prepare it for being sold at auction.
