IRM Steam Team

Weekend Update for July 26 and 27, 2008

Work done to Frisco 1630:

JD continued working on the tender (chasing leaks), replacing the old thin metal and welding in new.

Bruce continued cutting the crown brass for the wheel bearing.

Work done on the Shay:

Nigel and Collin fitted the new test piece into the Shay’s boiler to see if any more adjustments will be needed.

Work done on the UP 428:

Stu and Jim assisted “Wilbur the Welder” in welding the flexible staybolt sleeve that needed repair.

Jim finished painting the valve off the fireman’s side tender. It is now ready for new gaskets and reassembly.

Work done to the Brownhoist Crane:

Matt and Bob straightened the sign-mounting brackets on the boom of the Brownhoist. The brackets need to be wire-brushed, primed, and painted before the signs are re-mounted. Stu, Matt, and Bob mounted the boom lamp brackets and boom lamp. The lamp bracket needs additional adjustments so that the lamp will hold a position other than straight down, and needs to be connected to the wiring in the boom.

Work done in the Drop Pit:

Stu, Matt, Jim, Nigel, and Bob worked together to lower, install, wire, and test the traversal motor in the drop pit. They tested all horizontal and vertical movement of the drop table in anticipation of 1630’s wheelset returning soon, in a few weeks. The drop table and mechanism performed flawlessly (or at least, as well as expected). While reinstalling the drop pit cover, however, one section fell apart…(D’oh!) and required repair. Bob and Rick repaired the damaged section on the drop pit roof and re-shingled part of the roof while Stu competently supervised the operation.

Work done to the CB&Q 637:

Matt and Jim replaced the cylinder covers that Brian had painted the previous week.

Work done to the Steam Shop:

Dave Diamond, and his crew, installed new asphalt outside the north door to the shop and just inside the door to allow a better walkway to move equipment across the tracks. Collin and Rick moved a wheel/axle set, from in front of the north door, that was used to press in grooves (flange-ways) into the newly laid asphalt. Bob scraped stray asphalt from the concrete inside the shop.

Misc. happenings and notables from around the Shop:

Although both Tom (out sick) and Bill (home repair and improvement) were not in the shop this weekend, a leader arose from the ranks to take command of the Steam Team. Stu assumed the position of Imperial Shop Supervisor, meeting with dignitaries, statesmen, and Presidential candidates. He also met with the “Tracks Ahead” film crew, and “Wilbur the Welder”. Way to go Chumsley!

Oh…and Jim filled the pop machine.