The weather has been far too good lately...we are in for a long winter...
Saturday
the track dept was myself, Tom H and Frank D. We had a 30 second
reunion to start off the day because both Frank and Tom have been away
from IRM for some time and this was a historic momemt...well not
really, but ya know. The weather cooperated great. It's certainly fall,
but we couldn't ask for better weather.
Our original plan was to
build track in yard 11 or raise tracks in yard 11 in preparation for
the barn. Unfortunately we were not able to touch yard 11 because the
contractor was still occupying the building due to some unforeseen
issues with the metal siding... Still determined to get something done
we spoke with the electric car shop and they allowed us to use the pit
in Barn 4 to get some much needed work done on a number of our
machines. First for the day was the Model 50 burro crane which we had
gotten running last weekend. As in true IRM fashion, we had to jump
start the machine early in the day in yard 11. The engine was just too
cold to get going but once we got it running it ran great. Over the pit
we greased the entire underframe, topped of the transmission with ATF,
inspected/ greased the deck rotation gearing, troubleshot a bad
hydraulic leak (more to come on that), checked oil levels in the
engine, axle gear cases, coolant level and a number of other small
tasks. After we were pleased with that, we took the crane outside to
test everything and locate the hydraulic leak. It seems the boom
extension cylinder inside of the boom is the problem. When the boom is
extend and retracted what we believe is the hydraulic seal on the
cylinder itself leaks bad and drips oil out the backside of the boom. A
repair to this is pretty substantial due to the fact that the cylinder
is probably 30ft long and 6'+ in diameter and rests inside of the all
welded boom... A few plans are being cooked up now for a remedy, but
for now the boom extension is out of service but otherwise the crane
itself is not in harm and still in service. The crane is ready for
building yard track 11-4 when the time comes.
Continue reading "Track Department Update"
Comments
Thu, 05-16-2013 21:52
Looking good Bob! I hope to come out soon once I'm done with school.
Wed, 05-15-2013 21:28
I was not around at the time. General discussion suggests that it was "pretty marginal" in a number of areas. Nigel
Mon, 05-13-2013 11:08
"THUMBS UP!"
Fri, 05-10-2013 02:15
No, it will not be necessary to hold any of the work waiting for the plow to be turned, end for end. Weather will be the major factor, but there will [...]
Thu, 05-09-2013 19:54
The CGW X-38 plow is really coming to life. Bob Kutella and Vic and crew need to be very proud of your collective efforts. I am very appreciative of [...]
Thu, 05-09-2013 15:20
The snowplow looks great! Are you going to apply the door and upper windows befor it is turned to continue work?
Thu, 05-09-2013 09:09
Max, Is there any progress to report yet, in regards to the installation of the poles and overhead wires? Have a good day, sir.
Wed, 05-08-2013 18:40
Thanks for the update! I still don't understand why Commonwealth #5 was removed from service. Do you know why?
Tue, 05-07-2013 09:28
Mr. Kolanowski.....I was just wondering if the Spaulding webcam will be up and running soon for us stay-at-homes. Thanks!2FP
Mon, 05-06-2013 23:04
Max, Has work begun yet on the construction phase of erecting the poles and putting up the wire? Wish I could be there to watch it happen.
Mon, 05-06-2013 23:02
Keep up the good work, Bob. Wish I could be there to help!!!!!!!
Sun, 05-05-2013 18:53
Ah yes, I have made such Jibs myself. If it were me, I would add in each corner an angled piece from the base to the Jib to act as sway bracing. [...]