Work Session Status Week Ending 03/30/2019

April 2, 2019

The root valve was the most difficult task as rethreading dies were manufactured along with a new valve stem retaining nut.

We have also been working on the second dynamo to seal a lubricant leak.

A high pressure air test revealed small leaks at the sight glass boiler connections. New brass adapters were fabricated and installed.

Two original 1 1/4″ pipe unions have been replaced along with various valve stem packings.

More jacketing joint connectors were picked up from the painter plus the protective cover for the back-up 120/12 volt generator.

Last week we filled the boiler and preheated the water to 80⁰. Wednesday we performed a full hydro which unfortunately revealed new leaks that were not there the last time. Saturday we began addressing those issues. A planned second steam-up will need to be rescheduled.

During the hydro all staybolts were hammered again. After draining the locomotive the manway was opened for an internal boiler inspection of the fluesheet stayrods. The copper seal was reannealed and the manway reinstalled.

The turret cover was removed to address several new leaks emanating from some of the valves and connections.

Hope to see people at the site this week. We’ve been having an enormous amount of visitors interested in our project. Come join the fun! Also don’t forget to download your copy of our flyer from our website about the big 75th birthday bash on May 18th from 10-1 with cakes, ice cream and lots of photos. Pass those out to your friends and neighbors. Bring the ole gal a nice birthday card.

Looking forward to your presence this week, and as usual . . .

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