Locomotive #7470 Updates:
9/19/2005 While continuing the work of changing out 37 half couplings on the #7470 the crew discovered some hairline cracking in one small area of the boiler. That section was cut out in preparation for the placement of what is called a "flush patch". Upon removal of that small section of boiler plate additional hairline cracks were found in one corner of the fire box sheets.
After careful consideration it was determined that due to the amount of time it will take to make these additional repairs the engine will not be available for Railfans' weekend.
CSRR has invested many thousands of dollars in the work to make #7470 operable again and we are committed to doing whatever is necessary to return this locomotive to service. It is our great hope that #7470 will be in regular operation during the 2006 season and we thank you for your support and understanding as we progress with these repairs.
Please plan on supporting this restoration by coming to CSRR to ride behind steam in 2006.
Thank you,
The management, CSRR
9/8/2005 We have had a crew of two very talented 'boiler makers' working on steam locomotive #7470 for 2-3 days each week since the first week of July. They have been concentrating on the replacement of 37 wash-out plug half couplings. A half coupling is a piece of pipe that is about 3" long that has interior threads on one end only. The half coupling is welded permanently into the boiler to provide an opening to the interior of the boiler. The washout plug itself screws into the half coupling. Wash out openings are provided in the boiler for the purpose of facilitating the cleaning of the boiler from mud and sediment which, when the boiler is in service, is done every 30 operating days. Replacing these wash-out plugs consists of torch cutting out the old half couplings, preparing the resultant hole in the boiler by grinding the boiler sheet to the proper angle, tacking the new 3000 psi half couplings into place, preheating the surrounding metal to the proper temperature and then doing the actual welding of the half coupling to the boiler sheet. At this time the work on about 12 half couplings has been completed.
Brian and Jason, who are employees of Boothbay Railway Village, estimate that the welding of all the half couplings will be completed by the end of August. This is contingent upon the removal of the air pump on the fireman's side of the locomotive and the removal of the reverse gear on the engineer's side of the locomotive in order to gain access to plugs that are located behind these appliances.
Once the boiler work has been completed there will still be a lot of work to do. The boiler will have a hydro test, which must be signed off on by an inspector from the Federal Railroad Administration. The lagging (insulation) must be put back on the boiler along with the jacket. The sand domes have to be put back on. Air brake work has to be done. The engine will need to be steamed up and safety valves tested and reset as needed. The engine will need a shake down run so that all bearings, etc. can be checked, and then the engine will be ready for service! It is our great hope to have the engine running for Railfans day in Oct. Check back as the time gets closer....
Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated by all here at the Conway Scenic Railroad.
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