Work Session Status Week Ending 06/22/2019

June 26, 2019

These past few weeks we have been waiting for the certified bronze material to arrive for the saturated steam shut-off valve bonnet repair. We received the material on Monday and it was immediately taken to RDM McClintic here in ABQ. It was definitely a challenge to fabricate the bonnet, but John, the owner, was up to the task. By Friday afternoon we had our hands on a shiny new bonnet and stem.

Saturday it was assembled to the steam fountain (on turret) then hoisted to the top of the locomotive. Volunteers began connecting all the steam lines which provide steam to several appliances.

Next week we will tighten all the fasteners and the injector piping. This valve has be a “problem child” since our last hydro and steam-up, which also has held up progress at several areas including another steam up. Thanks to R. Cunningham for providing a donation at the right time which covered most of the funding for the bronze material.

The electricians ran more conduit and installed more work lights.

Sheet metal work was restarted on the underside of the smokebox area. Tight confined places makes for difficult working conditions.

More infrastructure work has been accomplished during the down time while the turret was being worked on.

One of the tool car trucks has been completely prepared for reassembly. The other truck frame will be turned over this week and painted.

Hope everyone is up to working this week that are in town, and as always . . .

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