Big things are rolling behind the scenes.
Steam Engine 218’s driving wheels are currently undergoing a full tyre reprofiling, which is a critical process that restores the wheel’s shape, balance and precise contact with the rail.
Each wheel is carefully removed from the locomotive and placed on a specialised lathe, where it is machined and measured to exact tolerances. This meticulous work ensures not only smooth operation but also the safety and longevity of the locomotive when it returns to service.
Tyre reprofiling is a perfect example of where heavy engineering meets precision craftsmanship. Every cut, every measurement and every check plays a role in keeping our heritage engines running reliably on the rails.
As the lathe turns, Steam Engine 218 moves one step closer to steaming through the mountains once more. These unseen moments, the ones that happen quietly in the workshop, are what keep the magic alive.
In This Update
- Removal of one of 218’s driving wheels
- Precision tyre reprofiling on the lathe
- Detailed measurements and quality checks
This post is part of our ongoing Workshop Chronicles, which document the behind-the-scenes work carried out by our dedicated staff and volunteers as we restore and maintain our historic steam locomotives at the Zig Zag Railway.*
