Work Session Status Week Ending 03/26/2016

March 28, 2016

The brake shoe forging company has sent us a sample brake shoe which this time fits our 80″ drivers. We are now pad welding the driver shoe backings as their wear is not consistent. When complete we will grind the backing to the proper circumference.

Flexible staybolt plug tightening continues which has revealed a few sleeves which we feel need to be replaced.

Workers are adjusting the alignment of the hot water pump steam supply pipe. It was fabricated with several complex bends several months back due to wasting . We also decided to put new unions on each side of the control valve.

The air brake crew is still locating and installing components. Temporary piping and fittings are being installed so others can also be routed to their respective connections. Once all piping has been positioned permanent connections will be done.

The machine shop is reconditioning all the washout plugs as most of the copper seals have been worn down sufficiently for them not to seal properly.

The sheet metal shrouds behind the main cylinders are being repaired. Some appear to have cracked over time and or badly dented. Some show signs of an attempted repair and made the cracks worse.

Men used compressed air to blow out residue inside the air brake reservoir tanks and then installed auto spitters.

Backfill and compaction was done this week where large pieces of cinder block and concrete were removed adjacent to where the Engine House will be located.

Wednesday’s weather might be on the chilly side. Typical springtime NM weather we’re having with cool temps and strong winds. Hope to see everyone at the site this week, and as always . . .

Keep on Steamin’,
Rick Kirby, CMO
NMSL&RHS