IRM Steam Team

Shop Update 7/10/10

Today, everyone in the shop concentrated on one thing. Since so many Steam Team members were involved in the work, I apologize for not naming everyone.

The one goal we had today was getting the rear driving wheels back on the 1630.  Glen, Nigel, Rick, Ralph, and Jim arrived early.  They were soon joined by Matt. They removed the cover from the drop pit.  Rick and Stu prepared the table for use.  It was discover one of the power cables for one of the table’s controllers had been chewed on by a critter.  Stu and Glen spliced the cable and the table was ready for use.  Rick made sure everything that needed to be oil and greased was oiled and greased.

The 1630 was rolled over the drop pit.  The crew that moved the locomotive was Ed, Ralph, Nigel, and Matt.   After the locomtive was in position, the table was lowered and moved to the west side of the pit so the wheel set could be put on it.  Ralph, using the fork lift, positioned the wheels over the table.  Rick, Matt, Curt, and Jim guided the wheel set onto the table.  Nigel, using the crane, positioned the wheels so that they could be put under the locomotive in the correct location. 

After the wheels were under the engine, Ralph, Curt, Matt, and Jason worked to get the shims for the boxes to fit.  Everything was bolted back into position.  We next attached the driving rod to the fourth and fifth wheels on the fireman’s side.  After that, Jason and Matt put the ashpan rigging together under the locomotive and then put the brake rigging together.  At 7:47, the 1630 was moved, so that the driving rod on the engineer’s side could be attached.  This was the first time it was moved with all its driving wheels on in almost three years! 

We discovered that the two driving wheels were a little too close to attach the rod, so with some adjustments, the rod finally was attached at 8:16.  The brake shoes still need to be attached, but since everyone had put in days of 10 to 12 hours, we decided to call it a night.  The 1630 was put back in the shop and the brake shoes will be put on next weekend.  The covers were put back on the pit and we called it a night.

After everything we need to do to the locomotive is done, we will hydro it.  Then, when we are satisfied with the engine, we will do another hydro for the FRA.

One last thing that should be mentioned is that Bill Chyna stopped by and gave us his support.