Work Session Status Week Ending 04/30/2016

May 2, 2016

A mixed bag of weather and projects highlighted this week.

Work on the turret cover resumed with door hinge work and removing the existing somewhat flimsy hasp. A more substantial hasp was procured and will be welded on next week. The door chain restraints were, for the most part, rusted away. New chains were purchased and installed.

Several workers began work on a new welding table shade as our sun and wind destroyed the original.

Volunteers are still designing and installing brackets and supports for the air brake components. Other brake related projects included brake shoe backer welding repair and grinding the weld repair smooth to fit the shoe. Preparations were being made to air test all the main air brake piping not including the 26L components.

The replacement driver brake shoes arrived and were checked for proper fit. The new sets fit perfectly.

The machine shop procured our washout plug arbor from McBride’s Spring Shop. They heat-treated and annealed it. It will be used to press the new copper seals onto the washout plugs. They also are testing a kiln for testing small parts.

Some long overdue maintenance is being done on our car mover, “Lurch”. We have several hydraulic leaks in various systems.

Workers insulated the last of the 3 1/2 ” steam pipes from the steam dome to the turret. They will also receive a layer of metal for protection.

Work began on the engine garage as contractors began digging the ground for the footings. Concrete pour is scheduled for this week. Two volunteers are present each day to open and close the site.

We have just received notice of a $10,000 grant from the Candelaria Fund. Along with the $4,000 received from the NRHS recently, these two grants will help get us started in areas where we need funds.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate for us this week so hope to see everyone at the site, and as always . . .

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