Work Session Status Week Ending 02/15/2020

February 17, 2020

This past week we began making preparations for the piston installation. The cylinders had been honed several years ago and a rust inhibitor was applied. Wednesday and Saturday both cylinders were thoroughly cleaned and sealed off from any contaminants.

Saturday we were to attempt the first piston install on the engineer’s side. What we found was a badly corroded pin and the new bearing had suffered some wear. Needless to say the piston did not get installed. Plans for the reconditioning of the pin and bearing are underway.

Both air compressors have now been reassembled. The fireman’s side was much more difficult as it is mounted close to the front of the smoke box door.

Our in-house master wood maker, Bob D., has begun laying out the cab floor. The electricians are in need of both sides completed due to conduits penetrating the wood floor in those areas. The 2″ thick Black Walnut was purchased several years ago and partially cut to the proper lengths.

The electrons were wiring up the reconditioned foam meter Saturday. What a difference 70 years are as to electrical requirements of today.

As always the sheet metal crew soldiers on installing and/or fitting panels for future installation.

The old whistle control rod was removed for replacement. It was subjected to much abuse while in the park. Prior to it being fenced off young and old visitors climbed in and around the engine, thus bending a few of the metal rods. New parts will be ordered and installed.

For those that missed the last safety reviews in January and February, there will be a New Member class on February 29th at 0900 in the Reefer Office and about 20 minutes of that class will be for those that need to re-up for safety and not take the entire class over again.

If you have not paid your membership renewals please do so as soon as possible. If you do not wish to continue your membership with us, please let us know by replying to this email and we’ll take you off our information lists. As time goes into March, Madam Secretary will probably send individual emails to those that she shows haven’t yet paid for 2020.

Hope to see people at this site this week for those that are here; weather should be nice this week, and as always . . .

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