Raphael,
There is not much more that I can say. I note work on 428 each week as we are able to do it. For example the rebuild of the planer is primarily to allow the 428 axle boxes and wedges to be progressed.
However, there can be no doubt that getting operational steam for the museum is our top priority and that is 1630. So 428 is progressed when resources can be spared without delaying that.
Nigel
Nigel, I may be displaying my ignorance here, but we all have seen the 428's boiler beng test-fired and pressurized. Congratulations on that milestone. I believe that was 2 years ago. Does that mean 428's FRA 15-year clock is already ticking? Perhaps this is what Mr. Chapman is alluding to: does the remaining work needed to complete 428 exceed the boiler work 1630 requires to return to service?
Mike,
The answer to most of your questios is yes !.
The assessment driving the priorities is not only that there is a LOT more work to get 428 into service than 1630 but also that much of it involves machinist skills that are in relatively short supply in our current volunteer population.
Is the "15 year clock" running. In practical terms - Yes. However, this is not as a result of the test steaming, which simply confirmed that the extensive boiler work over the years was satisfactory and that we have a fully serviceable boiler.
Nigel
Nigel, thank you very much for the updates, and highly detailed decriptions of the work the steam department is doing. Perhaps the documentation will also help future restorations/inspections and other IRM volunteers.
Also a big thumbs up to the volunteer team. Wish I could be there to lend a hand and try to fit into my old Navy coveralls.
Greetings from Berlin (DE)
Nigel, thanks for these posts. It is good to see the progress that is being made. I was able to poke my nose in the shop last Saturday thanks to an invite from one of the crew. You were busy or I would have shaken your hand in person. It is very remarkable how much gets done on so few resources. If I ever win the lottery, IRM will have a proper roundhouse and backshop! In the meantime, just keep plugging along. we'll look forward to celebrating the 1630's rebirth.
Patrick,
Thank you. Yes we are normally very happy to welcome visitors unless we have something particularly messy or dangerous going on.
For sure I buy the Mega Millions occasionally with the same objective but it does not seem to have worked yet !
Nigel