"Achilles" Rises Again...

Hello everyone. Today, we were at CMES at Ryton Pool, with 0-6-0 "Achilles". The loco, a Side Tank designed by Reeves, is owned by Mr K Hall but I've had some involvement with it recently. The engine was test steamed last weekend following water pump repairs and some changes to the boiler backhead. Today, she was booked for both a Hydraulic and a Steam test at the club. The Hydraulic was done first. This test involves the fittings being closed and the safety valves and pressure gauge 'capped off'. Water is then forced into the boiler up to 1.5 times normal pressure. As "Achilles" boiler pressure is 90psi, she was of course forced up to 135psi. After 10 minutes the loco had passed the test. The engine was then prepared for lighting and later steam tested. This requires the safety valves to lift at the correct pressure, and also to hold the pressure down at 90psi against the blower. You also need two methods of putting water into the boiler. Thankfully, "Achilles" also passed this test. Tests passed, we steamed off the bay and onto the track. We undertook many laps with the lovely 0-6-0 and she proved very powerful and free-steaming. We now plan to run "Achilles" again in a month's time. A great day. Thanks for reading folks. Sam.