Work Session Status Week Ending 01/02/2016

January 5, 2016

Last Wednesday we had to deal with the aftermath of a snow storm earlier in the week. 1/4″ of ice covered our worksite.

The majority of our crew began spreading ice melt, shoveling ice and removing it to outside the work area. Both work days began in the mid to low 20 degree range, but volunteers continued to arrive and work through both days.

A little heat was acquired from a hot riveting project involving the engineer’s side step rail. When completed it was installed in place.

More temporary installation of air brake controls were done. The support was made of wood so the parts could be located where needed as a trial fit-up prior to fabricating the permanent steel supports.

More minor leaks were repaired on the firebox and flexible staybolts.

A few more pieces of the sander valve covers were preheated then painted.

The endless job of insulating steam pieces continued both large and small.

The machinists completed tapping the bolt holes that secure the dynamo to the original support. The support is now being check-fitted to identify what repairs are necessary due to metal wastage.

More work was done on the foam meter drilling holes in the electrical backing plate. It supports the new solid state equipment designed by our California electrician guru friend John H.

The last of the trailing truck air brake slack adjusters were installed. Workers began air testing the brakes. Several unions and pipe nipples were found to be leaking.

As a reminder for the members, our upcoming safety refresher is on 1/23/16 at 9 AM sharp. See the website for more info, but plan to be there for at least three hours. Special guest speaker will be Warren Scholl, retired BNSF Safety. Please plan to be there on time if not earlier. There will be handouts, but you might want to bring something on which to take notes.

Please don’t forget to send in your membership donations and any other arbitrary donations you can give. We appreciate everyone’s donations to our cause.

Don’t know what to expect on the weather this week. Tomorrow might be iffy, but the site will be open. Hope to see you this week, and as always . . .

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