Work Session Status Week Ending 11/24/2018

November 27, 2018

After going through a bout of respiratory illness for the past three weeks I am on the road to recovery. Thanks to Bob D. and all the crew for keeping things going while I was out.

This report will be a bit sketchy and will do what I can from conversations with Bob.

More work is being done on the radial buffer so it will properly fit into its receptacle. During past welding procedures the upper and bottom heavy plates expanded which caused it to be too large to slide inside the tender cavity.

Rail siding maintenance continued and sharp inner edges have been carefully ground away with sanding flapper discs. Tie plates have also been tightened due to loose nails.

One Wednesday the engine never left the engine house due to a rainy day. Brake adjustments continue and air brake valves were replaced with railroad standard cut-out valves.

The electricians have been chasing a gremlin in one of the dynamos. It has since been removed and placed on a bench for a thorough inspection and diagnosis. Various cab lights were installed with specialty ordered light bulbs.

With all the throttle valves back in place after more lapping, the throttle valve assembly was reinstalled.

Pressuring the boiler with compressed air, several pipe leaks were found at various pipe joints. All were flagged and workers have been addressing those leaks. A new globe valve had to be ordered and installed due to the inability to repair the old one. A new section of pipe connecting to this valve was also replaced since the original exhibited more wear than desirable.

The firebox burner was readjusted to the exact angle prescribed in the folio using an in-house fabricated tool.

Christmas cards and membership renewal reminders are being sent out this week. Remember, if you renewed or joined the organization since the Open House, or last quarter basically, you do not have to renew your membership until next year or 1/1/2020. However, if you wish you can still send in a donation to help us with some major expenses on the horizon. We still have the GoFundMe campaign on our tool car in Ohio that continues to progress. For that you can send a check to our PO Box 27270, ABQ, NM 87125 and put “Tool Car” on your check, or go on the web site and click “How You Can Help”. PayPal is available there or by credit card. (www.2926.us)

Hope to see everyone that can make it at the site this week, and as always . . .

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