Coal Fired Boiler positioned aboard the 'Vital Spark' Steam Puffer

Further to our news story in April 2015, the restoration of the famous Steam Puffer vessel named VIC 27 or 'Auld Reekie', (possibly best known as the 'Vital Spark' in the 1990's TV series) continues apace. Last week the Managing Director of the Crinan Boat Yard, John Dunlop along with a film crew from Caledonia TV, visited Cochran to document the Coal Fired Boiler's despatch for a 3-part BBC series following this restoration project.

The original Cochran boiler was manufactured over 70 years ago but was condemned after inspection and Cochran were tasked to manufacture a new more efficient replacement using the old shell as a template. 

The following day at the beautiful Crinan Boatyard, Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute the boiler was expertly lifted in to position aboard the VIC27. The photos show this was a highly skilled task with extremely limited space in the old boiler house.  

Find out more about the restoration project here https://www.facebook.com/VIC27puffer