This is where the real work begins.
Steam Engine 218 has officially entered the workshop phase of her journey – the moment where careful disassembly lays the foundation for restoration, renewal and return to service.
In these early stages, the locomotive has been stripped back methodically, piece by piece. The engine has been separated from its tender, allowing both to be assessed independently. The boiler and tender have been fully drained, preparing them for detailed inspection and ongoing works.
Attention then turned to the motion and braking systems. The driving and coupling rods were removed, followed by the brake gear and rigging, each component carefully documented, labelled and set aside for inspection, repair or refurbishment.
This stage of the process is slow, deliberate and precise. Every bolt, every plate and every piece is undone with intention, ensuring nothing is rushed and nothing overlooked. It’s the unseen labour that underpins everything that follows.
For those who love steam, this is the magic behind the movement – the quiet, skilled work that allows these magnificent machines to live on.
In This Update
- Engine separated from the tender
- Boiler and tender drained
- Driving and coupling rods removed
- Brake gear and rigging stripped back
This post is part of our ongoing Workshop Chronicles, documenting the behind-the-scenes restoration work carried out by our dedicated staff and volunteers at Zig Zag Railway as Steam Engine 218 is prepared for her return to the rails.
