Work Session Status Week Ending 01/10/2015

January 13, 2015

This week was our first full work week since the holidays.

Flexible staybolt sleeve welding continued as well as the installation of new copper seals under their plugs. Upon close examination of one sleeve threads it was determined to replace it. The internal threads had corroded to such a degree that the new plug most likely would have failed.

Superheater welding also resumed as that set of workers all returned from the time off.

The machine shop has finished all the brake pins and bushings for the trailing truck brake arms. We have one more shipment to go to the heat treatment facility. They are also setting up the steam shuttle valve slides for their final machining.

Scaffold building for boiler tube installation was constructed this week. A gang of men worked both days to provide a stable work platform.

Tube cutting began on Saturday. They were purposely ordered longer than needed as we could field cut them to the exact length required. The past several work sessions were used to set up the saw for the proper alignment to ensure a square cut.

Various other parts were cleaned of crud and rust so they could be painted.

We received the shipment of trailing truck brake shoes last week. The foundry has advised us the driver shoes should ship this week.

On Saturday our safety team presented the first safety refresher class for 2015. It was preceded by January’s general meeting.

Wednesday’s weather may be a little unsettled as it may be snowing or raining, however the site will be open. Hope to see you on the site this week, and as always . . .

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