May 10, 2017 Since my last writing we are still dealing with those old pesky rigid staybolts and stud bolt leaks. We performed two low pressure water tests to work on the leaks we discovered during the last hydro. This past Wednesday we performed a normal hydro bringing the pressure up to 125% of operating […]

April 26, 2017 This week we performed another low pressure hydro test on the boiler and found still more pesky stud bolt leaks. The boiler was drained and work began on the stud bolts and one small washout plug which was almost inaccessible and three more small ones on top. A bolt-on jig was fabricated […]

April 19, 2017 With the results of our preliminary hydro test last week we began repairing the minor leaks located around staybolts caps, washout plugs and a few stud bolts. Our air brake crew continues putting the system through it’s paces isolating various components to test others. The automatic train brake valve is operating normally […]

April 12, 2017 This week we again water tested the boiler. We used a portable fire pump to bring the pressure to 120 PSI. We found more staybolt plugs leaking on top. The water was lowered to a level so the plugs could​ be removed. They were replaced and other preparations were made for a […]

April 3, 2017 As a result of our recent water pressure of the boiler we have been addressing the minor leaks which became evident. Workers continue working on various control rods and brackets, painting mechanical parts and electrical components and testing the various air brake components.​ Support brackets were being fabricated for the MU equipment […]

March 28, 2017 Over the past few weeks we have been water testing the boiler at various pressures. Each time we seemed to find more slow leaks which may have been overlooked at the previous test. Many, if not all of these leaks, stem from flexible staybolt caps and rigid staybolts at their mushroomed caulked […]

February 20, 2017 A milestone event occurred this week when the last of the many superheater bundles was bench hydro tested and put away awaiting the boiler hydro that will be scheduled as soon as Rick and Gail can return from their medical leave. Gail is doing well and is now recovering from hip surgery. […]

February 13, 2017 This past week we began installing the throttle valve caps by chasing the stud bolt threads. A few of the bolts are in poor condition and will need to be replaced​. As usual, air brake components were being installed along with solenoid valves. Hydro testing of the superheater bundles is still being […]

February 7, 2017 Small bore piping for the bell ringer has been installed. The stack lifter piping is an ongoing project. The superheater bundle hydro project is close to being finished. A few more work sessions should complete that project. We received all the insulation needed for the locomotive last Wednesday. This material was purchased […]

February 2, 2017 Besides the normal work which has been ongoing for several months, the surge PAD welding was completed on the inside of the firebox. Very few spots remain on the outer firebox sheet. Those are being taken care of this coming week. Various pipe brackets are being fabricated to replace old ones that […]