IRM Steam Team

Shop Update 11/21/09

Significant progress was made today to ready Union Pacific 428 for a hydro test and inspection by a FRA inspector in the coming weeks. Just about every leak has been corrected short of some minor issues with the dome cover fittings and water glasses. Rick, Stu, and Bob worked to address some small issues prior to the test and Bill, Brian, Nigel, and myself conducted the test with Tom’s supervision.

Stu, Bob and Rick working on the steam dome.

Checking for leaks and watching the gauge.

Work continues on 428’s tender with the painting of the coal bunker and bulkhead and final assembly beginning on all the necessary components to outfit the tender for service. Gary and Cameron took brackets off the cab to facilitate riveting in the near future. Tammy worked all day cleaning up the hardware for installing the lagging on 428’s boiler.

The Shay also received attention from Colin, Dennis and Nigel. The riveting gun bracket was installed and tested to prove concept and test clearances. This bracket will hold the rivet gun in place to make it easier to rivet the new tube sheet patch in place.

Our machinists were active today working on driving boxes, shoes and wedges for the Decapod. Eric, Bill, and Tom machined wedges while Bruce continued machining the crown brass on the final driving box. Brian and I finished ultrasonic testing of the siphon in 1630’s firebox and Jason worked to drill out the few remaining stay bolts prior to inspection.

Last week we installed the signs Brian had painted more than 3 years ago on the Brownhoist Crane. This crane, along with its idler flat, serves a dual purpose for the steam department acting both as a heavy lifting tool and as a shop switcher. The signs were hand painted and are copies of the originals which had been damaged. Work was also done to straighten the mounting brackets they sit on. This required some heat and a little persuasion to allow for a proper fit.

Brand new signs with their creator standing next to them.

Another view showing both the signs and recently installed lights.

There were also many other small ongoing projects happening simultaneously in the shop including fixing a sandblaster, the rebuilding of the motor from the Bay City Crane, and many others. At the end of the day we were treated to a slide show featuring some never before seen images of UP 428 donated to the department by a generous rail fan. Contributions like these are in-valuable to the restoration of any engine as they provide crutial details and insight into the locomotive’s use and configuration.