Heritage Railway
Railway - Refractory Materials for Steam Locomotives and Boiler Maintenance
High-temperature linings, insulation, and sealing solutions for traditional steam railway systems
Vitcas offers a specialised range of refractory and heat-resistant materials suited for the restoration, maintenance, and operation of heritage steam locomotives. These products are engineered to withstand the extreme temperatures and thermal cycling typical of historical railway boilers, fireboxes, and auxiliary systems.
Inside the firebox - constructing the brick arch
The firebox in a steam locomotive requires a brick arch to direct the flame and heat flow above the boiler tubes. This can be achieved by casting the arch in one piece using refractory castable, or by forming individual fire bricks in moulds for later assembly. For this application, Refractory Castable Grade 1400 or Grade 1600 is recommended, depending on the operating temperature and firing conditions.
These castables offer excellent resistance to thermal shock and are ideal for forming complex or custom-shaped refractory components inside the firebox.
Boiler insulation
The outer surface of the locomotive boiler can be insulated using ceramic fibre blanket, which is placed beneath the external cladding sheets. This insulation minimises heat loss, improves fuel efficiency, and protects the external steel structure from high temperatures. Ceramic fibre also contributes to more consistent steam production during operation.
Smokebox lining
For the smokebox floor area, Vitcas Heatproof Screed can be applied as a durable, heat-resistant surface layer. It provides abrasion resistance and thermal insulation in an area subjected to hot gas flow, ash, and mechanical wear.
White metal bearing casting - sealing and luting
Vitcas Premium 1P is a specially formulated luting compound designed for use in white metal bearing casting-a process still employed in traditional railway engineering. This material is applied to seal specific areas during casting, preventing white metal ingress and saving time on post-cast machining. It is easily removed after the process, offering both efficiency and precision in bearing manufacture.
To learn more about maintenance and materials for heritage locomotives, read our blog article on railway locomotive boilers.
Typical applications
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Casting firebox arches using high-temperature refractory materials
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Insulating boiler shells beneath cladding using ceramic fibre
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Lining smokebox floor areas with heatproof screed
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Sealing white metal bearing moulds with Premium 1P compound