Work Session Status Week Ending 02/09/2013

February 12, 2014

Mother nature gave us another shortened work week as high winds blew in shortly after Saturday’s monthly meeting. Wednesday however was a productive day.

Ward Mc. assisted Danny R. as he fill-welded areas around the root valve flange. Ward then helped Dr. Mike clean more flexibolt sleeve pockets atop the boiler. More flexi plugs were reconditioned by Tom T., Nate P. and Roger J.

Randy Mc., Morris D. and Pete O. installed more new wood in the cab. More than half of the required wood is now in place.

Ken D. and Dick P. are preparing the root valve flange for proper fit. Dick also altered bolts to be replacements for various pipes supports.

George D. resumed work on the counter weights grinding out old inferior cracked welds. A newly purchased “Dual Saw” has cut hours from the metal removal time.

After making a run to the bolt suppliers, Ed S. organized them in their proper place then assisted Pete A. prep side rods for later clear coat paint.

Bob D. was researching the side rod rings and spacers prior to the side rod installation. One set was heated and installed on the engineer’s side number one driver rod bearing.

Using the mill and an annular bit, Dave V. is drilling bolt holes for the heavy square flanges for the six and eight inch diameter steam exhaust piping.

Carlos O. has been laying out and fabricating all the fittings required for the exhaust piping.

Scott E. installed more shelves in the donated cabinets and also assisted Ron T. and John T. remove more flexi-threaded plugs.

Ed K. is preparing another grant request. The “Plots and Plans” aka Plans and Funding Committee crew met with consultant Kathie W. as she reviewed past requests and offered her assistance in the future.

There was an error in the Newsletter regarding the date for the next safety refresher class. It will be February 16th at 9:00 am in the reefer. This will be the last of the refresher classes to be done. If you miss this one you’ll need to await another entire safety class for new members before you can begin to work again on the engine. If you went through a new member class in the last quarter of 2012 you are good to go for the entire year of 2013. The same goes for the payment of your membership. If you paid in the last quarter (or at the open house in 2012) you are good to go for 2013.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the site this week, and as always…

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