GWR brass safety valve bonnet.

The 5532 Group at Llangollen are looking for one of these, as it is one of the last parts needed to complete the boiler. Any help in sourcing one would be appreciated.

Bob.

 

The dearly departed Dennis Howells had Boosey & Hawkes make the one that is on 9466. However Boosy & Hawkes don't make instruments anymore. So if you are unable to find one, you may well have to get it made

 

Get in touch with Kidderminster Railway Museum. I think they have one that is used as a donation box, but whether it's the correct shape I don't know, or even whether they would be prepared to sell it.

 

The obvious person to contact would be Trevor Tremblen at Swindon Copper boilers. Trevor was a coppersmith at Swindon works and then after had his own workshop in what was the fire station part of Swindon works. It is years since my only visit to his workshop so no idea if he is still there, but his website is here including some safety valve bonnets he has previously made. He has also made copper cap chimneys, copper pipework for locos too. Have a look here. I know for example he made the pipework for Foremarke hall.

http://www.swindoncopperboilers.co.uk/

 

Don't know where you could get an original but if you want new you could try Dorset Copperfish. They have just made a dome for Hastings. Fascinating to see it take shape.
https://www.facebook.com/DorsetCopperfish/

 

There you have it, find a large tuba, cut the top off and upend it, although it will probably be silver plated! A certain well-know railway in Devon used a glass fibre version for many years. Didn't polish very well though.

 

If it's painted green no-one will know anyway.

 

In the last war didn't Swindon turn out locos with sheet steel bonnets?

 

I have been through this and getting one made now is well nigh impossible with many of the suggestions above no longer being active. They do occasionally come up at railwayana auctions and can fetch £1500 - £3000. If you want a fibreglass one I have one spare for sale currently. PM if interested.

 

Well, as I said, Dorset Copperfish have made a dome in the last couple of months. Have a look at this and the subsequent photos. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2897305460305965&set=pcb.572443220054781

 

Hasn't the GWS had new customised ones made for King Edward II and Lady of Legend in recent years