Riley and Son (E) Limited are experts in boiler maintenance, repair and overhaul. From initial assessment of work required, through overhaul to completion and delivery our team of boiler smiths can advise you and carry out the work required. We are the main advisers/contractors to the owning groups of mainline locomotives 6201 “Princess Elizabeth” and 71000 “Duke of Gloucester.” We also maintain and overhaul the boilers of our own locomotives, BR Std 4 79079, and LMS Black 5’s 45407 and 44871. 

In our works at the moment are Strathspey Railway Company’s Caledonian Railway No 828. The boiler has received a new barrel, front tubeplate and is currently awaiting new crown stays before re-tubeing. Our own Black 5 no 44871 is under restoration, with extensive plate renewal on the outer firebox wrapper continuing, before new crown stays and tubes are fitted. Nearing completion of overhaul is the East Lancashire Railway’s Thomas the Tank Engine. Thomas has had a new front tubeplate fabricated and fitted and a complete retube.

Above: ELR No 1 with the newly riveted tubeplate fitted.

Below: Following fitting of the tubeplate, the boiler is re-tubed and ready for hydraulic testing.

The boiler from Strathspey Railway has received a new barrel and front tubeplate

Inside 828’s boiler, the new palm stays, crown stays and sling stays are visible.

On our own engine, Black 5 no 44871, the new throat plate has just been fitted, the sides and backhead are still to be fitted. For more information on 44871’s overhaul, please click here