Boiler Serial Number identification

[JonL]

A friend of mine has recently bought a locomotive but we can't find the serial number mentioned on the certificate. We haven't started stipping the cladding off.

The certificate number begins with N57, and after a bit of research I've found a few online beginning with that number.

Was that number from a specific boiler maker or associated with a specific club? It seems to mainly be on older locomotives. I figure if we can find out who made it we can work out where they tended to be stamped.

Thanks for any help you are able to give.

[ettingtonliam]

Have you got the boiler off the frames? Its often on the side or end of the foundation ring.

[GeorgeRay]

Jon
That sounds like a Northern Association Boiler number, N57 means it was built by someone who was a member of the Southport Model Engineers. There should be several other numbers following which as a minimum show the boiler pressure and the club issued identification. As has been said the number is normally close to the foundation ring.