Boiler makers in 2023

[RooossoneParticipant @rooossone]

Hi all,

I have been having a hard time tracking down Model boiler makers. From what I can tell, most reputable options are retired/dead/out of business in the last ten years.

Who are the reputable and recommended boiler makers across the country in 2023? there doesn't appear to be any directory for them so I am asking here.

I am asking because I am starting to look at starting work on my 4" Fowler and need to get a steel boiler welded up for it (I'm not a coded or very good welder)

I am based on the south west but I am interested in any and all boiler makers across the UK for the benefit of everyone on this forum…..

Thanks in advance…

[RooossoneParticipant @rooossone]

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

The powers-that-be are also very fussy about the steel as well as the welding, so leave all the work to the builder, including obtaining the materials.

A very good question though…..

The last couple of issues of ME show only Maidstone and Western Steam, and they make only copper boilers. I don't recall many steel-boiler makers advertising in the magazine anyway – though there never were many.

One club who may be able to tell you, is the Model Steam Road Vehicle Society as many of its members run the larger scales. They'd no doubt welcome you joining too, if you haven't already!

Yes, as you say this should be common knowledge.

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

Fizzy did steel stuff

https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=65907&p=3

https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/memberpostings.asp?c=93652

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

A look at traction Talk Forum will find who is currently making steel boilers most here will have a Loco interest and only know copper makers

North Bay Railway (NBR) Engineering do the steel boilers for several of the well known engines such as 4" Foster, 6" Devonshire, and 6" GMT

 

Edited By JasonB on 13/07/2023 08:23:53

[Trevor Drabble 1Participant @trevordrabble1]

Try looking at John Rex Model Engineering web page , particularly their section on steel boilers and their accreditation. They are the ones who organised the Doncaster M.E. shows.

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Posted by Nigel Graham 2 on 12/07/2023 22:43:49:

The last couple of issues of ME show only Maidstone and Western Steam, and they make only copper boilers.

Souhern Boiler Works are still very much in the business of copper boilers.

[RooossoneParticipant @rooossone]

Posted by JasonB on 13/07/2023 07:14:39:

A look at traction Talk Forum will find who is currently making steel boilers most here will have a Loco interest and only know copper makers

North Bay Railway (NBR) Engineering do the steel boilers for several of the well known engines such as 4" Foster, 6" Devonshire, and 6" GMT

Edited By JasonB on 13/07/2023 08:23:53

I have been waiting to be accepted on that forum for months. Still waiting and no response from any emails I've sent.

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Another railway that might be able to help is the Vale of Berkeley Railway, closer to home for you, at Sharpness in Gloucestershire.

Maybe too the Lynton & Barnstable Rly. (To whom I donated a lathe years ago!).

You might also find ads for boiler-makers in Old Glory magazine, but I buy that only very rarely so don't take my word for it.

Is Traction Talk even still running? I had an account on it but have not looked at it for a long time.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Yep still going but does seem to take an age to get accepted.

NBR do quite a few boilers for the heritage railways, pic from their FB page, two 9" Foden, one 6" Fowler and a 15"g loco boiler

[RooossoneParticipant @rooossone]

I've spoken to Dave @ NBR today. very timely responses. I think the 4inch is on the small side for them. I need to share my drawings with them and take it from there to get a quote and move forward.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

What is the boiler diameter you need? I thought as they do the 6" GMT which is a small 6" scale engine and actually has the same boiler diameter as some of the 4" engines they may just be able to take it on. GMT is 10.75"

[RooossoneParticipant @rooossone]

I'm not sure, I haven't studied those particular drawings yet.

[Iain PailingParticipant @iainpailing54696]

On a recent visit to Statfold Barn Railway I discovered they are having another loco built for their new railway. The gauge is 12.5" but, unfortunately, I can't remember who they have contracted to build it for them. I'm sure if you contacted them they would be happy to give you the details. If their builder cannot help you I suspect they will have an idea of who may be able to help.

Hope this helps in your quest.

Iain

[JellyParticipant @jelly]

Funny Iain mentioned Statfold Barn…

A friend of mine contracted with Statfold Engineering to complete part of the overhaul works on his Hunslet, and has been very happy with the workmanship (although also knew them and chose them for that reason).

Their "Steam Road Vehicles" page lists boiler work, including new-builds as a service they provide.

.

More generally there are far more firms who have the capability than who will advertise what you're looking for specifically…

It depends what you want exactly mind:

• If you have detailed design drawings and calcs which are signed off to Eurocode (or equivalent) then I'd be ringing round all the fabricators who do pressure vessel and fired heater work (and there's loads of them, most of whom will be advertising to industry) for quotes rather than focusing on people who target the model/heritage market.
• If you only have the mechanical drawings for a boiler from a historic design which predates the PSSR, then you would need to find a company which has both fabrication services and a design office, and get a quote for them to do the calcs (and any re-design) and fab work… You'd probably be able to get them to commit to a fixed price on the design work and a ±30% estimate on fabrication at first contact.

I'd be happy to dig up the names of some firms I've worked with previously if you wanted to approach commercial Pressure Vessel fabricators for comparison quotes.

But you would need to be absolutely sure to:

• specify anything that's essential to your final engine build in the contract with them, and
• examine any final design documents with a fine tooth comb before you sign off for work to start,

because unlike a specialist they won't catch anything or match your assumptions and will build exactly what you request without querying.

[Martin Johnson 1Participant @martinjohnson1]

I had the same problems when getting quotes in for my 7" scale Fowler lorry. AJB boilers were about to retire, and I suspect have subsequently done so. The players that I know of are:

Berwyn Steam Fabrications – 01691860570 – currently advertising in Narrow Gauge World for 4" TE boilers up to fullsize.

Station Road Steam – bit selective on what they take on, but worth a call

TRS Boiler Makers, Derbyshire 01332 865616 – Excellent quality, but a long waiting list.

H A Mc Ewen – Can do them but only gold plated judging by the price.

Bennett Boilers 01278 792255 – I used these and was very impressed with quality of build. More used to full size, so they may not want to take on 4" scale work.

Statfold Engineering – have heard rumours they do TE boilers, but no personal experience.

North Bay Engineering – have heard rumours they do TE boilers, but no personal experience.

Andrew Kirk at Holt Boilers 01964 529392 – I have seen their work and would avoid them. Very good price, though.

I did not find that going to an industrial pressure vessel fabricators would get a good price. As Jelly describes, I had detailed drawings, everything signed off by BES. I tried one of our North Sea suppliers up hear in NE Scotland. They wanted 4 times what I paid for the boiler. Of course, you might strike lucky, but if you are building from something like the Plastow drawings, an industrial fabricator is likely to run a mile. Those that specialise in the game, have their own version of each model boiler that they have agreed and signed off with their inspection house.

I hope somebody else chips in with a few other names,

Martin

[RooossoneParticipant @rooossone]

Thank you Martin that’s a comprehensive list that I’ll be able to do some further research off the back of. I really appreciate your candid detail!

I look forward to pushing on with this in the new year.

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