IRM Steam Team

Weekend Update for August 30, 2008

Work done on UP 428:

Last week, the engineer’s water line from the tender to the locomotive had been removed. Collin and Jim heated the union, on the water line, and attempted to separate the pipes. This was done so that the fitting could be lapped. When they tried to remove the union, the pipe thread inside gave out. It had rusted away from years of service. The bad section was cut out and a new section will be welded onto the pipe. The union must still be removed from the fitting so that the fitting can be used again.

Terry, Dan, Collin, and Jim put the water line for the fireman’s injector back on the 428. Terry repacked the injectors.

Work done on the Shay:

Collin dye-tested the boiler course where the new tube sheet will be riveted to.

Work done on Frisco 1630:

Bruce continued cutting down the brass shoes for 1630.

Bill and Stu worked on one of Bruce’s machines. Bruce was going to drill the holes into the brackets of the new ash pan door, for the 1630, but the machine would not run. With Bob’s help, they got it running again.

Stu and Bill drilled and tapped holes for an extension piece, for the cutting tool, that Bruce will use on 1630’s crown brasses.

Some work was down on the tender as well. Welds continue to be reworked to prevent future leaks in the tender tank.

Work done in general around the shop:

Collin and Ralph cleaned the gutters, of the new shop, destroying the weed field that had taken root.

Bob inventoried components for the wheel lathe controls.

Bob also continued to needle-chip and prime the boom on the Brownhoist Crane.

Nigel removed the dead skunk from the drop pit and then proceeded to clean and wash out the pit, ahead of winter, with help from Dan, Brian, Stu and Bill.

Nigel also worked more on the BayCity Crane.

Most importantly, Jim filled the pop machine. Nigel now has lemonade, but he has noticed that others are drinking it. All is now in harmony in the universe!