IRM Steam Team

Shop Update 8/15/09

Copied from the IRM Yahoo list with additions:

“Work continued on the 428. Nigel, Mark, Ed, Jeff, and Jim fitted water lines
onto the locomotive. A gasket was made for the engineer’s injector pipe.
Another pipe on the fireman’s side was separated and a new union put on it. The
pipe was reattached.

We began to fill the 428’s tender with water. (One issue we need to know when we
fire the 428 is that there are no issues with the injectors.) As we were
tightening the valves on the tender (The tender has valves for the water lines
that run to the tender’s boxes. We assume that the idea for the valves was that
they could be used to cool the wheels if there was a problem with the journal
boxes.) we discovered that the valve was not tight. We removed it and tightened it down after taping it.

Bob G. lapped another valve for the 428. In addition, one valve was removed from
the locomotive. Tom worked on getting the valve to seal correctly. Eric began
to cut a piece of metal so one of the unions could be properly lapped.

I want to make sure that everyone is aware that when we fire the 428 that this
does not mean that the locomotive is ready to run.

Work on the Shay: Bob G. and Nigel positioned the new bottom portion of the
front tube sheet for the 428. They bolted it in place. Before it can be welded
to the original sheet, it must be riveted in place.

Nigel and Bob G. also put the outer ring of the 428 in place this one done so
that the new bottom sheet could be put in place on a temporary basis. Nigel and
Jeff used the “Big Joe” and straps to raise the new bottom of the smoke box in
place. I helped Nigel push it into place while Jeff tightened the straps. Nigel
marked what parts of the old smoke box still need to be removed to fit the new
sheet in properly.

Sometime in the future, the patch will be welded into place by Dennis.

Matt and Jim began the process of drilling out one of the stay bolts on the Shay.
We finished the outside portion of the stay bolt, but it still needs to be
drilled from inside the firebox.

Bob worked on the 428’s generator with Ralph’s help. It appears to be working
fine at this time.

Ralph also worked on milling brass fittings for the 1630. Bob and Bill drilled
the holes into the first bearing box for the 1630. These holes will be used to
attach the brass plate to the box.

Bruce continued to cut the brass down on the second box.”

As stated above, a steam test of the boiler of 428 will be conducted in the near future. This does not mean that the locomotive will be operational or even capable of moving under its own power. It is simply a test to check the functionality of the injectors, whistle, and other steam appliances.

It should also be noted that a number of steam department volunteers have been assisting with the “Day out with Thomas” event to help ensure that this event will be a success.

On a side note, there are many small projects going on simultaneously in the shop that many members have been working on. Some include: Sandblasting and repairing a headlight casting, welding of a stand to hold the wheel set off 1630 for ease of installation, and work continues on the road motor from the Bay City crane to allow it to travel under its own power.

Thanks to Jim for the Yahoo groups postings and the shop tours.

Shop update 8/02/09

Coppied from the IRM Yahoo Group with added content at end:

Yesterday, Stu, Bob, Bill continued work on the thrust plates for the 1630
bearing boxes. The decision was made not to use babbitt and screw the plates
directly against the boxes. This means additional holes must be drilled. Stu
spent a great deal of time figuring out where, on the plate, the holes need to
be drilled. Bob, Stu and Bill also counter sunk the existing holes amd fitted
the brass screws.

Rick and myself worked on creating a guide to cut the insulation for the 428’s
boiler. Bob Kutella had a brief meeting with Rick about the diameter of the
boiler. There is a guide for cutting insulation for the 1630, but it’s diameter
is different. Rick plans to build a guide at home.

Bob and Victor Humphries also took pictures of what is going on in the steam
shop to post online.

The brass for the second bearing box for the 1630 is almost finished. Bruce
needs to make a final cut.

Dennis spent his day welding the 1630’s tender attempting to plug the final
leaks. If you saw the number of leaks that existed when he started, you know
the fantastic job he has done.

Ed and Duane were taking measurements of the 3007, but I have no idea why.

Next Saturday, we will do the final hydo on the 428. Then, it is up to Tom to
pick a day to fire it!

Work also contined on the CB&Q 3007 to ready it for a photo shoot in the near future. Some of the pieces that were removed for transport will be re-installed for the photo, and work continues on removing the jacket for insulation removal.

Added content:

Please stop by the shop and visit us to see for yourself the progress being made by the IRM Steam Team!

Matt

June 30, 2009 Note From the IRMList

Copied from the IRMList on Yahoo Groups…

Work on 1630 has been coming along. The new bearings are in the boxes, all of the grates are in, and the stay bolts have been unplugged. Unfortunately the tender leaks, but we are working on repairing that, the wheel still needs to be finished up and put back into place. The possibility of seeing steam this year is slim, but may be possible.

The shay still needs alot of work, but the smoke box and tube sheet have been coming along quickly. It seems like at least 6 stays have to be replaced.

As for 428, there has been talk that in the next few weeks there will be a steam test going on. 428 will be dragged out and fired to test for any leaks the hydro test didn’t show. There is still years of work left to do on 428.

The good news is the new overhead crane over the wheel lathe is now installed and is awaiting wiring, as is the wheel lathe.

April 24, 2009 Note From the IRMList

Copied from the IRMList on Yahoo Groups…

Progress in the steam shop:

1630- Bearings for the #5 drivers are nearing completion. The tender leaks, we are trying to fix it. Grates still need to be installed, and hydro test on the boiler needs to be done. There is a SLIM chance we may have 1630 running by July 4th.

Shay #5- tube sheet patch needs to be riveted & welded. We have been unplugging the plugged stay bolts, a few will need to me replaced.

Around the shop, the crane over the wheel lathe is installed but needs power.

Just remember to stop in and have a look the next time you’re out. The shop is usually open on Saturdays.

March 9, 2009 Note From the IRMList

Copied from the IRMList on Yahoo Groups…

Work has been progressing at an astounding rate in the last couple weeks, and there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel. The bearings have been turned down to the proper OD and will be pressed in the boxes within the next couple weeks. One that is done, we are going to fit new brass wear plates on and mill those down to the proper dimensions. In short, we are streamlining this operation and using modern techniques and tools to get it done as soon as possible.

While all this work is going on, work on the tender and fire surface continues. The welder has finished with most of the work necessary on the tender patches and the process of chasing leaks will begin soon. Once the tender is water tight, some light body work and new coat of paint will be applied by the resident painter. Final drilling and hammer testing of the fire box stays is underway, and then we will re-install a new fire surface composed of many new grates cast last year from patterns made in 2008.

We are working very hard as a department to ensure that steam will operate again at IRM. Along with all the work on Frisco 1630, we have overseen the installation of a brand new 10 ton overhead crane, rebuilt two new machine tools for the shop, and work still continues on other shop projects such as the shay and UP 428. We are doing as much as we can with the people we have and the resources at our disposal. Please stay tuned to our departments blog and the museum website for updates.

February 3, 2009 Note From the IRMList

Copied from the IRMList on Yahoo Groups…

Work goes on as always. The patch for the Shays tube sheet has been
partially drilled and a plug was tapped and put in. It still needs to
be welded which will require a certified boiler welder.

The 1630 brasses are rough cut to size but need to be finished. There
is a rumor that they may be sent to Durango. The tender for the 1630
is finally coming together.

Weekend Update for November 22, 2008

Work done on the Frisco 1630:

JD and Greg started installing the new grates. Bruce continued cutting one of the bearings. Nigel, Bruce, and Rick worked on the new cutting tool attachment, for the vertical turret lathe, to cut the bearings.

Work done on the Shay:

Nigel and Collin worked on drilling the holes in the new tube sheet support. Once the holes are drilled, it will be sent out for annealing. JD worked on the mounting bracket for the cinder shaker bar.

Work done on UP 428:

Collin, JD, Greg, and Rick opened most of the drain plugs and blew out any water left from the hydro tests. Unfortunately, we ran out of time this year to try a steam test. Hopefully, next spring!

Work done in general around the shop:

Collin, Nigel, JD, Greg, and Rick put the front plate and hinged cover back on the smokebox of the #26. JD and Greg closed up the new 2-6-0 and 2-6-2, from Monee, for the winter. Bill and Rick checked the dimensions and approved the drawing for the new overhead crane for the wheel lathe. Sam started cleaning the area around the wheel lathe so that it will be ready for the installation of the overhead crane. Rick weatherproofed all the exterior doors of the shop and cleaned out the wood storage area.  

Weekend Update for October 10, 2008

Frisco 1630:

Matt and his friend brought back the drive axle/wheel set from Tennessee Valley with the new tires installed and hub liners machined to the proper measurements. See photos below:

Work done to UP 428:

Jason tested the gauge used on the hydrotester, and adjusted it so it was more accurate between 100 and 300 psi. He also tested a back-up gauge that we might want to use that seems very accurate.

Dan and Brian worked on fitting the new rubber hose, on the engineer’s side, between the tender and the locomotive.

In general:

Nigel did various work on the Bay City Crane: steam cleaning the traction motor block, fitting the ammeter and cleaning the cab for future painting.

Brian finished painting the shop’s air tank.

Dave Dye, Bill Moran (and his friend Rick), Ed, Bob, Vince, Greg, JD, and Rick went to Monee to prepare the 2-6-2 and 2-6-0 for transport back to IRM in about a month. Bearings/axles on the tender were cleaned and oiled, footboards were taken off, track was prepared, main/connecting rods were worked on to disconnect them, etc. Moving the locomotives in about 3 to 4 weeks will take a lot of volunteer hours to prepare the equipment and help the contractor load them onto the trailers for transport back to IRM. Please talk to Rick, in the Steam Shop, for details. 

Weekend Update for October 3, 2008

Work done on the Shay:

Matt and Stu spent the entire day (until 9:00 pm) cutting, grinding, and shaping the new tube sheet to make it fit within the existing sheet. Some minor adjustments are still needed to allow to form to the bottom of the boiler.

Work done in general around the shop:

Stu and Matt worked on the small band saw to get it cutting well enough to cut the new tube sheet.

Rick went out to South Chicago, with a transport company, to scope out moving the two steam locomotives and one tender to IRM later this month.

Ed and Mike drilled holes in a cast step from the Coach Department.

Mike spent spent time welding and straightening brackets for one of the Lackawanna cars which was brought to the Steam Shop. Ed and Rick also drilled holes in another step for the same car.

Weekend Update for September 27, 2008

Work done to the Frisco 1630:

Matt, Bob, and Jim worked on the installation of the tender water shutoff valve. This valve had been leaking when the locomotive was in service and should now be fixed.

Bob, Ed, and Jim fitted the old ash pan door onto the 1630’s ash pan. This was done to see if the holes, being drilled into the new ash pan door, are being drilled into the right location. The one hinge on the locomotive is completely broken and will need to be replaced. The hinge on the fireman’s side is still on, but it will need to be built up with weld so that it will not crack and break off.

Work done to UP 428:

Ed worked on the casting for the water line connection from the tender.

Bob and Jim worked on the knob for the water-line valve (fireman’s side) of the tender. It turns out that the knob hits the tender frame. They began discussing ways to correct this. A smaller knob would make it harder to turn off the water.

Stu measured, cut, and installed new copper mesh screens for the injector water pipes from the tender.

Work done to the Shay:

Stu, Tom, and Brian traced the outline of the new tube sheet and began cutting the excess steel with the band saw in preparation for the drilling the holes for the flue tubes and eventual installation.

Rick worked on grinding a flatter mating surface between the new tube sheet piece and the bottom on the boiler.

Work done in general around the shop:

Collin, Rick, Ed, and Nigel lifted the roof panel off the pit for inspection of the damaged concrete wall and then removed the cracked concrete grout, at the rails, in preparation for replacement.

In the morning, a brief meeting was held for all active Steam Team members, to hear a short summary of the IRM Board meeting and to discuss a project to bring a Porter 2-6-2 and Baldwin 2-6-0 locomotives to IRM from Monee, Illinois.

On Sunday September 28, 2008, Matt, Bob, Nigel, Bill,  JD, and Rick went to Monee to scope out the project to bring the two locomotives back to IRM. Brush was cleared from around the locomotives and all moving surfaces were oiled before the bearing boxes will be worked on and the axle’s rust will be removed with emery cloth.

Bob wired the disk/belt sander and rewired the light circuits on one of the lathes.

Brian painted the air tank to the shop’s air compressor.

Stu, Bill, and Bob investigated the installation of a transformer for 120v lamps on the one of the big lathes.