Hello Paul,

Yes it was indeed that boiler that exploded. I watched the fiasco from the shore. I never actually saw the boiler, only the steam launch in full flight. Fred told me that he had soft soldered the place where the gauge glass had been. Only now, some 30 years later, do I understand what he meant by this, having seen seen a photo of the boiler!

I have now found that Wilesco still exist and they have an agent in this country (Forest Classics). It would seem that I can buy a boiler for the Wilesco at a reasonable price. The photos of the boiler look as though they are stainless. If that is the case, I am not sure what Fred had soft soldered and I shall never find out as he died at the turn of the century.

The explosion was quite quite shattering, bits of steam launch flying in the air! Fred had used a butane fired heater and no safety valve, what the pressure was when the shell let go is mind boggling. I thought that it would be a quiet afternoon watching the launch chuff around. I didn't think for a minute that he was a lunatic.

Andrew.

Hello Bill and co,

I seem to have screwed up with my last posting, so here goes again. Apparently Wilesco is still in business and they have a main agent here in UK. After an inquiring email, I found that virtually every spare was available. The boiler is only a little more expensive than buying the raw materials, so I will go with that.

I really must apologise for not making sure that the message had been posted. Quite why the post disappeared I really don't know. I am very embarrassed that Bill dug out his Wilesco plant and is offering me some dimensions. Thank you for that Bill and very sorry you were troubled for nothing.

At least the grandchildren will get their hands on the plant, sooner than if I had to make the boiler!

Thanks to everyone,

Andrew.