3830s boiler I've heard from other volunteers (RTM) is completely rooted. Replacement stays that the PHM put in were off a different material thus expanded at a different rate to the old ones, apparently causing a ripple in the crown sheet. The acid wash used to flush out the boiler was not completely neutralized, and has severely pitted the boiler barrel.

Please note that what i am telling you all I learnt through mutterings of other volunteers and direct conversations with a select few, who I will not be naming.

What does this mean for the future of 3830?

Will they are working to replace the boiler or is the damage repairable?

What does this mean for the future of 3830?

Will they are working to replace the boiler or is the damage repairable?

Does not sound good & depending on the amount of pitting in the boiler its doubtful if it could be repaired.  If they look for a new boiler, hope they steer clear of Germany.

This part I'm not 100% sure on so don't quote me on it but I've heard that the boiler inspector will condemn the boiler, meaning the PHM will need a replacement built.

This part I'm not 100% sure on so don't quote me on it but I've heard that the boiler inspector will condemn the boiler, meaning the PHM will need a replacement built.

In the end its a shame after all the money & work that went into restoring it.  Hopefully a new boiler can be sourced, especially if it could be done here in Australia, not sure about other prospects but I think the door would now be closed in China, they do have the expertise to do so but for how long not sure, as steam is running down rapidly over there.

Oh dear, wasnt there concerns raised a few years back regarding the way the PH managed their steam assets?
Maybe this revelation is one of the well kept secrets as to why their former maintainer dosnt have his own steam locos anymore......

Where is "Coalcliff" now? She defended the boiler condition here when it failed on its loopy line trials and nearly flooded the town of Picton with its leaks saying it was ticketed. Will the truth ever be known? Where is the 3 8 0 1?

Oh dear, wasnt there concerns raised a few years back regarding the way the PH managed their steam assets?
Maybe this revelation is one of the well kept secrets as to why their former maintainer dosnt have his own steam locos anymore......

Where is "Coalcliff" now? She defended the boiler condition here when it failed on its loopy line trials and nearly flooded the town of Picton with its leaks saying it was ticketed. Will the truth ever be known? Where is the 3 8 0 1?

3801 is still up at Chullora being worked on. Boiler still in Germany as per usual. That's really all I know.

Full quote for 3830 to return to service, even down to coal, oil and a track access for trials comes in at around $190,000. Story is, PHM' latest position has been an about face to steam ops pending their $7 mill deficit. 1 in 7 had to be laid off at PHM and new management has come in.

The boiler expansion story you heard is somewhat correct but actually was to do with the tubes. The tubes in both 01 and 30s were thicker than railway spec to increase tube life, but all that extra steel expanding caused significantly higher stresses in the boiler leading to some very major issues and heavily contributing to the condemning of both.

3830s boiler I've heard from other volunteers (RTM) is completely rooted. Replacement stays that the PHM put in were off a different material thus expanded at a different rate to the old ones, apparently causing a ripple in the crown sheet. The acid wash used to flush out the boiler was not completely neutralized, and has severely pitted the boiler barrel.

All materials used in boiler maintenance and repairs must have a manufacturers mill certificate to be kept in the Boiler History File ensuring that it complies with in this case Australian Standard A.S. 1228 - 2006 Pressure Equipment Boilers Appendix K Locomotive Boilers and Traction Engine Boilers.

Have a look at the thermal expansion of what is basically mild steel and you will see that the statement
"different material thus expanded at a different rate to the old ones, apparently causing a ripple in the crown sheet" is rubbish.

Acid cleaning riveted boilers is a NO, NO, having experience with many types of boilers over 45 years, I learnt early that you never acid cleaned riveted boilers because you could never guarantee neutralising the acid residues completely particularly around lap seams, rivet heads and screw threads.

Oh dear, wasnt there concerns raised a few years back regarding the way the PH managed their steam assets?
Maybe this revelation is one of the well kept secrets as to why their former maintainer dosnt have his own steam locos anymore......

I suppose you are casting aspersions against the team leader who rebuilt "The Hunter" and 3830 previously. I would pit his knowledge and skills against yours any day.
I know whom I would much rather have looking after my steam locomotives than those in the current regime.