Since the boiler test, and initial testing and fettling was completed, the finishing touches have been put to the locomotive, as seen in Andy Kelly’s photo from the 27th of November. This has been followed by a period of running in, to ensure reliable operation once ‘Fenchurch’ enters service. The subsequent photos from the 1st of December show a loaded test run to East Grinstead and back hauling the 4-coach Metropolitan set (80 Tons tare). Two trips were made, and even with provision of steam heat to the carriages, only half a tank of water was used to reach East Grinstead on each occasion. ‘Fenchurch’ also happily passed a “re-start from stationary” test on our 1-in-55 climb up to Imberhorne Cutting with that load. It was released into service as of 10 January 2023.

No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’ successfully passed its steam test on 21 September 2022
Simon Blaker provides the following record of the boiler work undertaken:

Progress in re-assembly can be seen in David Lilley’s photo taken on the 29th August with more painting going on & as of the 31st of August Andy Kelly recorded the final placement of Fenchurch’s boiler in its frames using the overhead gantry crane in the Loco Works, No issues over whether that would fit after the trial run a few weeks back!

Andy Kelly’s photos record the passing of the out-of-frames steam test, and bacon being fried in the tradition manner for celebratory bacon brioches. During the Terrier 150 event, the incomplete ‘Fenchurch’ was displayed as best as was possible in the circumstances alongside ‘Stepney’, as seen in Owen Hayward’s photo from 30 July.

Fenchurch’s boiler has passed its hydraulic test, and boiler fittings are being overhauled and re-attached, as seen in Andy Kelly’s photos below. It is hoped that the loco will be assembled ready for display alongside ‘Stepney’ over the Terrier 150 weekend coming up on 29-31 July.

A second update for June see’s the majority of the boiler work for Fenchurch’s boiler almost complete with only a few additional tasks to be finished off before the boiler is ready for a hydraulic & initial steam test. The opportunity was taken at this stage to make a trial fitment of the boiler…

With the repair section to the bottom of the boiler welded in and the tube plate set into its final position the front tube plate is finally ready to be riveted into place using the modified and upgraded hydraulic rivet squeezer especially adapted for this task…

May has seen good progress again on the overhaul work being carried out on Fenchurch for her 150th anniversary later in the year. Statfold Barn has pulled out all the stops getting Fenchurch’s bottom end overhaul completed & ready for delivery back to Sussex…

With all the major parts of the firebox & boiler having been repaired or replaced the inner firebox was lowered into position and the firehole door ring & foundations ring have been finally aligned and fitted into position. This has enabled work to now concentrate on riveting in & staying the new firebox…

With the work now completed for the fitment of the new throatplate, firebox outer wrapper & repair section to the backhead pressing the boiler work continues on a pace towards the fitment of the new inner firebox. New pads & washout plug bosses have been welded onto the new outer wrapper…