Work Session Status Week Ending 03/15/2014

March 17, 2014

The week began on Monday, as did the past several weeks, with flexible staybolt sleeve welding. Some 400 new sleeves have been welded to the firebox. This project is currently on hold while we await delivery of more sleeves.

Work continued removing the actual staybolt from approximately 30 locations. These are being removed due to excessive steel wasting on the original sleeves. The entire sleeves needs to be replaced. Those parts will be provided by Strasburg.

The cab crew is painting electrical conduit and associated boxes. Their work area was rearranged to accommodate their work and to make room for the superheater repair crew.

The first row (lowest on the boiler sheet) of superheater bifurcate assemblies were being temporarily bolted to the superheater header to begin taking measurements for the repair pipes.

The welding for the tender radial buffer retainer bolt repair was completed. A new hole was drilled where required. Once complete the remanufactured buffer was installed into it’s pocket. This completes all the work related to the stolen parts which took place back in July of 2012. Carlos and various helpers have spent in excess of 1100 man hours remanufacturing those parts. Several thousand dollars have also been spent on materials and supplies to do the work.

The in-house designed crosshead tramming device was completed this week. All preparations have been made for the eventual return of the crosshead guides and slides from Williams, AZ. The good people at the Grand Canyon Railway are machining the Babbitt to fit the guides.

More lubricating distribution boxes are being cleaned and refurbished as needed.

Hope to see everyone at the site this week as weather seems to be cooperating.

And as usual,

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