Work Session Status Week Ending 11/02/2013

November 4, 2013

This past week many hours were spent grinding wasted metal from the flexile staybolt sleeves. This work will continue for some time in preparation for our guest welders as well as our regular ones.

Welch’s Boiler Service sent three welders and a helper this past Friday. They were able to weld on forty-seven (47) replacement sleeves. They were assisted by six (6) of our volunteers refilling welding rod containers, replacing grinding wheels and wire brushes while others served as fire watch. We greatly appreciate the help provided by WBS.

Elsewhere on site work continued removing more crud from the locomotive frame. Many of these areas will be inaccessible when all of the piping is installed. These areas are also receiving a fresh coat of paint as weather permits.

Injector piping is being cleaned internally and installed. Related pipe supports are being installed as well. Several have broken stud bolts which are being removed and replaced. Stud R/R is also being done on the steam cylinders and piston rod packing gland retainers.

More custom cutting of the large flexible staybolt replacement sleeves to fit the boiler is ongoing. The angle of the sleeve is determined then each one is cut on the band saw. Each one is then beveled for welding.

Saturday morning was kicked off with a confined space and rescue class. John C. presented the Power Point portion while Bill Mc. And his wife Jane handled the physical rescue part demonstrating the removal of incapacitated persons from the boiler and firebox.

The last of the trailing truck brake cylinders was installed Saturday on the fireman’s side.

Linkage bushings and pin repair is ongoing and they will be installed as they are complete.

This coming Saturday we will hold our monthly general meeting beginning at 8:30am. Please plan to attend and come early to help set up chairs.

Hope to see you at the site, and as usual . . .

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