Work Session Status Week Ending 01/23/2016

January 26, 2016

Over the past several work sessions many peripheral components have been researched and installed.

Workers retrieved valves and piping associated with the water injector then test-fit them in place.

All the air brake piping leaks have been repaired and a successful air test was performed.

The cab bracket which various gauges are attached was bolted in place. Holes were drilled in it to attach the new cold water flow meter.

Miscellaneous air piping was installed. The air brake radiator piping was blown out and air tested. Several of the original pipe unions were in poor condition and leaking. New ones have been procured and are being installed.

The last of the cab to frame bolts were installed and double-nutted.

Workers have been fabricating and assembling the various parts which make up the brake shoe grinding apparatus.

Various support brackets for the air brake components have been designed and are currently being fabricated. They will support the control valve, quick release and the pipe brackets.

At sometime in the far distant past the fireman’s side driver flange oiler was misaligned. Workers fabricated parts to insure its proper working position.

Stud bolt removal was still ongoing. The material being re-tapped is cast iron so the process is much slower.

All the new driver shoes have been removed from the engine for reshaping to their individual drivers. Several of the pin bushings were found to be in poor condition so they are being removed and new ones fabricated and installed.

This Saturday we held our annual safety refresher conducted by retired BNSF employee, Warren Scholl. The session was centered around safety as it pertains to railroad operations. Thanks to Warren and Local 412 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union for hosting the event. Approximately 80 people attended the three hour session. And we appreciated the breakfast burritos as well. Thanks to Dr. Mike for not letting us go hungry.

Our friend John H. from California was in attendance and afterwards. He and Bill R. worked on the foam meter installation requirements.

As with most work sessions pipe insulating continued, a seemingly never ending job; kind of like cleaning and painting.

Hope to see everyone at the site this week as weather seems to be holding in our favor; and as always . . .

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