Locomotive #7470 Updates:
8/30/2006
We are pleased to report that Locomotive #7470 is in service full time
for the rest of this summer season and will be in service during our
Railfan's day September 16th and September 17th and continuing through
the middle of October. Following some start-up issues, #7470 has been
performing well on its daily runs from North Conway to Conway. C'mon out
and see it.
Paul Hallett
Steam Locomotive 7470 Sees the Light of Day During Overhaul
4/4/2006
We are pleased to report that #7470 has successfully passed a hydrostatic test! Repairs to 7470's boiler were completed very early in the morning on March 23, 2006.
Later that same day the boiler was pumped up to 219 PSI test water pressure, and the Federal locomotive Inspector poked and prodded his way around the boiler.
After the external inspection was completed, the boiler was drained of water, and the Inspector went down inside to take a look around. After a while he came back out and gave us his OK to run the boiler.
This means that barring any unforeseen difficulties steam will be running on its regular schedule for the 2006 season.
There is still much work that needs to be completed before the engine can run again, but we do expect to have her up and running in the not too distant future.
Thank you,
the Management at CSRR
1/4/2006 CSRR is in receipt of a letter from FRA approving our welding plan for proposed boiler repairs to #7470. With this approval in hand we will resume 7470?s repair program. Boothbay Railway Village, our boiler contractor, expects to have their crew back at work in North Conway before the month is out.
They will weld the needed flush patches in the corner of the firebox and as part of those repairs will drive half a dozen hot rivets in the mud ring.
Non Destructive Testing of the Welds will be completed once the replacement segments are in place. After the weld testing is done, and we have passed a hydrostatic test and, provided no further problems are found, we will begin the task of putting #7470 back together for service.
Thank you,
The management, CSRR
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
The Wheel Report is written 10 times a year by Paul Hallett,
our Operations Manager, for "Notch Eight", the newsletter of
the North Conway Railroad Club. To get an inside view of Conway Scenic
Railroad's operations, please read on:
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