October 31, 2016 As with the past several months we have been piping up the individual components for the 26L air brake system. Many of these have been piped loosely so they could be rerouted if necessary. Our workers are now permanently tightening all those connections. The rod bearings were re-lubricated this week to ensure […]

October 26, 2016 Much of the same work is still on-going as of last week. More boiler leaks were repaired, tested and others located. Original jacket materials are being inspected to see which ones can be repaired and those that must be replaced. Work has begun on the throttle valve system as tools are being […]

October 17, 2016 It has been a while since I’ve submitted a work progress report. Both Gail and I have had medical issues and surgery over the last month. I had assumed (guess that’s a bad assumption on my part) someone else would keep everyone informed, but it didn’t happen. I’ll do my best while […]

September 21, 2016 Work progresses on the 26L air brake as our expert crew continues connecting all the components per the diagrams. Our superheater piping crew had to repair an old Santa Fe Shop weld which didn’t pass the hydro pressure test. Once the weld was removed it was quite evident why it leaked. The […]

September 14, 2016 Preparations have begun for the Annual 2926 Open House on the 24th of this month. Various areas on the firebox where staybolt sleeves were replaced received a fresh coat of paint. The lubrication crew has successfully pumped fresh lubricant to all of the lubrication lines. Several air leaks were located in various […]

September 5, 2016 That was the week that was, Dr. Mike substituting, August 31 and September 3, 2016. (Once again Madame Secretary Gail and CMO Rick were tied up doctoring so this job fell to a less qualified observer!) A new tank farm and high capacity air compressor required some plumbing, structural, and electrical work […]

August 23, 2016 It appears our volunteers have once again persevered through another hot summer. Our 100 degree days, in all likelihood, are behind us. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so go to our website, www.2926.us, for an in depth overview of the work being performed. The work is being concentrated […]

August 15, 2016 TW3 substitute by Dr. Mike (both CMO Rick and Madame Secretary Gail have been doctoring this last week). This week Ron T and Dr. Mike were aided by John G in building a second set of cab access stairs for the open house on September 24th, 2016 (9-5). With these fitted up […]

July 24, 2016 Since I was unavailable on Saturday or maybe for the upcoming weeks due to a bum knee, TW3’s might be hard to come by. President, Dr. Mike, has done a great job filling in on this past week’s happenings. I’m using his words to pass along to everyone. Keep on steamin’,Rick KirbyCMO, […]

Wednesday 7/20/16: Albert L’s speeder was retrieved from WHEELS Museum and is now on display/storage at the RIP site. Paul B. did an initial fit of Swagelok hoses in the 26L brake stand. The machine shop gang annealed copper gaskets for flexible staybolt caps. Paul T. continued the meticulous restoration of the long valve rods […]