Steam Department

A successful day at the steam shop.

We now expect the ultrasonic testing to be done weekend of May 5th so yesterday was an opportunity to progress other activities in preparation.  1630 saw the light of day for the first time in nearly a year when we pulled her out to remove the throttle valve and allow cleaning of both the locomotive and the shop area where she has been sitting.

Into the daylight

Eric and his father made good progress in testing the tell tale holes in the firebox stays.  The engineer's side is now largely complete.  By midday Jeff had the BrownHoist de-winterized and running and we were ready to shunt 1630 out of the shop.

BrownHoist mobile crane

Once outside we worked on the removal of the throttle body, which will be lapped to ensure a good seal when reassembled. 

This is an awkward piece that sits in the dome. 

Throttle body in situ

However, with some help removing cotter pins from inside the boiler, it was removed and taken to the shop. It has apparently been removed and refitted in the past with all the tubes in place. I have a lot of respect for the guys who achieved that !!.

It must come out somehow

Throttle body out and on the way to the shop

It was good to see 1630 in steam again !!.

1630 in steam again

Seriously though, it was an opportunity to do some steam cleaning and the locomotive now looks a good deal better and easier to inspect.

Unfortunately not its own steam!

The opportunity was also taken to clear the area around and under the locomotive, that had accumulated the most amazing collection of insulation debris and other muck as well as odd items that had fallen while working.

Even the work area is now clear

By end of day she was back in the shop and ready for ultrasonic testing.

In other areas, Paul and the lads made good progress on needle chipping and wire brushing the Shay truck.  Glenn over came a problem, that has developed in recent weeks, of the fork lift battery failing to hold a charge.  Far from the suspected defective battery he found that a loose terminal and blown fuse in the line from the alternator meant the battery had not been connected to the charging system at all for the last few weeks!!.

Next weekend will probably be quiet as many of us need to attend the rules exam.

Nigel