TW3 – August 29, 2022
August 30, 2022
Most of you know I haven’t submitted a progress report for several weeks. Mostly due to the work being repetitious most every week. We have been working on the locomotive jacketing for several years and recently more than in the past. I can now say that project is all but complete as volunteers install small trim pieces around various protrusions from the boiler and elsewhere.
Much work has been done on the tool car. Workers have been installing the 480V connectors at each end of the car along with researching the best route for the 480 cables.
A fuel tank for the generator was designed in house and fabricated by a local tank company. It is yet to be installed.
Our three transformers have also arrived and await installation under the car. Currently , safety barriers have been designed for the two doors on each side of the car. They are currently being fabricated. They will allow safe viewing from inside the car with the main doors open.
Many of you know, during our last steam-up, two wheels derailed due to the track being pushed to far out of gauge at the first curve out of the engine house. Eight curve blocks were fabricated and installed this past Saturday. We rolled the engine and tender out of the engine house and through the curves with no mishaps. The entire crew was positioned along side of the rail to watch for any signs of derailment.
The foundry crew continues pouring brass/bronze for Cumbres and Toltec axle bearings. They also are making items to be sold in the store.
Vandals broke through our fencing and graffitied the side of the tool car. We obtained some silver paint from Rust Bullet and repainted the damaged areas. Some time in the future it will receive a final paint job.
The floor on the inside of the car has been painted with slip-resistant paint. The interior walls and ceilings were painted several months ago. The paint was once again obtained from Rust Bullet. Thanks to Allison for all her assistance.
We are finally about to get our 8th Street crossing repaired. Work is scheduled to begin the middle of September and should only take between four or five days to complete.
For those interested, our Open House will be held on September 24th this year, (9-4). There is no charge for attending, but as usual, we accept donations. Live music, free hotdogs and drinks will be available. The store will also be open. The cab will be open to see as well. That’s always a big draw for people to see.
On our new website, we have just put up another “Go Fund Me” campaign dedicated to the completion of the tool car. It must be Amtrak approved, so everything is quite expensive. As I have said before, if you have any Benjamins burning a hole in your pocket, please send them our way. We’ll put them to good use! Send donations by PayPal on the website, and state what it’s for, or send checks to NMSL&RHS, PO Box 27270, ABQ, NM 87125.
No news yet as to when we will be doing more steam-up testing on the 3/4 mile spur up to the main line. There is a considerable amount of red tape to be resolved.
As always, Keep on Steamin’,
Rick Kirby, CMO NMSL&RHS
The 20+ years of perseverance of the 2926 volunteers never ceases to amaze me. Such dedication to getting the job done , regardless of the difficulty, is rare these days. The quality of workmanship and attention to detail is second to none. The patience of your crew should be an example to those of us who are just waiting to see her run. Best wishes as you face your final obstacles.
Hi
I wish you would post more photos like you did on the old webpage. It is unfortunate that you have the problems with the homeless,/vandals’ at your location.
I just found out about the derailment, through your news section on the website. Thank you Pat Massachusetts
We are working on adding more pictures. We do have lots that havent been posted yet. I would suggest keeping an eye out for them.
Hi
it is good reading all the recent news on the locomotive, and that you are finally gaining ground and getting ready to do some real tests with the locomotive. It would nice if you did provide more photos in your gallery section of the webpage. thank you .
We are working on adding more pictures. We do have lots that havent been posted yet. I would suggest keeping an eye out for them.
Hello my name is Ryan Reed it’s really nice that 2926 is finally completed and under her own power I’m sorry that you’re experiencing trespassing vandals I sincerely hope there are plans to update your security to prevent further damage from these hooligans and I also want to make sure that no one is planning on setting fire to nearby structures like the structure of fire you had last year on an old building on your site
Greatly anticipate a steam up in 2023 and very willing to travel from out of state to see it! Please give us a month or two notice if you can.