Just wanted to give a shout out to Tom. Thank you for taking time to talk with us and show us around. I felt like a kid in a candy shop. The shop and equipment are amazing. You are so patient and kind to take time out and give us time of day.
I'm saving to get the steal toe boots. while I have no experience-I'm willing to learn. :) Looking forward to using that paint brush. ;)
-Patty and Keith
Scott,
I had wanted to get on-site today to confirm that we had not encountered any issues in running yesterday.
Not major issues yesterday so we are scheduled to run next weekend (14/15). We are now NOT planning to run the following weekend (21/22). As discussed in the blog this week there is quite a bit of running maintenance to do so we need to schedule a weekend every 2 or 3 to allow us to do this.
Nigel
Roland,
Sorry. We have rather tied up and I very behind on volunteer forms.
There is really not much to say. You need to bed a museum member and over 18. Essential kit is steel toe-cap footwear. Strongly recommended are overalls and gloves.
With this you can show up on a Saturday (10 or after the first day) and fill in the forms. We will go forward from there.
Nigel
It needs an overhaul of the motor and the bearings on the screw.
Actually it is not at all clear that it would be useful as we run her at IRM. With the short distance and relatively light loads you run a fairly thin fire. Not clear how easy it would be to keep a thin, even fire with the stoker.
Nigel
I suppose you may be the best person to post this to.
I am an out-of-state person who would like to volunteer a day at IRM. Even if it is operating a pushbroom or a shovel. I have read the handbook, and am prepared to send the form and money to the necessary places. Thing is, I live in Arkansas now, and will be up the last week of July/first of August. I do not know what your plans for volunteers are those days or where my rather limited skill set can assist, but would love to have the opportunity.
Ben,
It is too early for me to be able to set out specific plans for that week.
Generally, for a first time volunteer, the only day that we can say with certainty that there will be work is Saturday. There are always people in the shop and work to be done on a Saturday. (Usual caveats - you must be a member of the museum (insurance requirement) and come with safety footwear).
Other days there can be teams working on more specific tasks and it is possible that a new volunteer could be involved in one of these groups. However, they tend to be set up at fairly short notice (previous weekend).
So at this stage, the best that I can say is either show up on the Saturday or drop me a note close to the time so we can see what is happening other than Saturday.
Nigel
I noticed 1630 doesn't nhave her frisco lettering on the cab anymore. I know this is minor, but, out of curiosity, do you know when 1630 gets her cab lettering back?
Currently not certain. We need to have the guy who prepared the stencils and will do the lettering available on a weekend when she is not running.
If he is available 6/21 (the weekend she is not scheduled to run) it would be then. If not, it could be several more weeks.
Nigel
Yes. She is prepared and ready for this weekend to run both Saturday and Sunday. I am bringing my family out to see her so I am counting on it!!.
Usual caveat. It is always possible that a 100 year old steam locomotive will develop a problem that takes her out of service at short notice so the museum cannot guarantee in advance that she will run. However, everything is set up for her to run this weekend and she will do so barring any last minute problems.
Nigel
Nigel,
Please send my thanks to the crew working in the steam shop over fathers day. My son and I had a very interesting chat with the gentlemen working there. I was not surprised that parts are still made by hand, but I had asked if you had ever thought of using a CNC machine to make replacement parts?
I was looking at a TV Spot today for the Transformers movie and noticed some familiar steam engines in the background
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE05VZxwjBc
thanks
Malcolm
Very glad that you enjoyed it. Considerable frustration for us that a leak in a steam union meant she was not in service as we had intended.
Particular frustration for me as my son was over from the UK and we had hoped that he would see her run after working on her while visiting over the last couple of years!.
Anyway. She was steamed by late afternoon and the union leak was cured. This weekend is planned maintenance so she looks good for 28th.
Nigel
Well i did kind of get to see her in steam. Was nice to be able to help lay the fire and light her too! Maybe next time I'm over I can see her working as she should!