Its authenticity. She could be made “showroom new”, but that would detract from the authenticity. Parts could be made like they are today, but again, that would detract from the authenticity. So, I understand.
Yesterday was the hydro static test.
The boiler was first filled all the way up with water…no air space as usually needed for steaming. when filled all the valves were closed except one used to feed water into the boiler (not the normal injector lines but a special test spot). then a small hand pump was used to pump a little more water.
it was used to pump the boiler pressure up to 1 1/4 times the working pressure. an earlier test was to a much higher pressure.
we then looked for any leaks…there were only a few minor leaks at valve packings and pipe connections but not at all bad.
obviously everything had to be checked. Jason crawled into the firebox and later the smoke box with a flash light and a little hammer. he tapped each staybolt to check its tighness.
The throttle valve packing needed some attention.
We peeled the plastic wrap off the boiler jacket…wouldnt want it to melt all over the boiler when we fire her up!
I have been doing small jobs all around.
here is my new ladder mounted to the coal deck on the rear tank.
The rear headlight will be mounted on the tank using holes from the old ladder (which we have never actually seen except in one poor photo)
here I am drilling the brackets for the rear headlight.
I have things to do around the house today but Jason plans to fire the engine to set the safety valve. that means removing the decorative dome casing and manually adjusting the valve as it blows off steam…sounds like fun huh? tomorrow we hope to actually run her a little and maybe I’ll get to hear my whistle blow!
I am on the edge of my seat. What a great experience.
Put off the household stuff, and be there for the 1st firing… You will never ever forgive yourself if you miss it… JUST DO IT!!! First firing only happens once… Make sure that you are there!!!
AND Take a camera…
I am not sure but I think Dave thinks you should be there
I sure as heck would be, even if I had to rustle up some folks to carry me there on my death bed.
Dave Taylor took the words out of my mouth about bringing a camera.
I would like to to bring TWO cameras:
- Movie like your fabulous layout pics - maybe on a tripod so you can take stills with:
- regular camera. Preferably a one handed one so you can pull levers and turn valves with your free hand.
Don’t forget to smile for us in the movie!
(actually would probably be a grin if it was me!)
We want video !
I did miss a test steamup but not the main event…today was the first RUN. yesterday Jason fired up with wood to test the safety valve…it needed a little attention which it saw this morning. with steam pressure up, he climbed up the the dome and adjusted the valve to blow off at the right pressure and shut off again at that correct pressure…all with steam blowing right in front of his face.
well here are some tease photos…more to follow tomorrow, maybe even some video…
and she pulled a coach up to Alna Center with all of us along for the ride…and some G-gaugers from Connecticut who stopped by my place yesterday.
I have locomotive envy.
Both locomotive and coach are beautiful in that last picture!! You all did some wonderful work on those pieces of rail road history. Good Job.
Doc Tom
Very cool.
Congratulations to all of you that made it happen!!
Fantastic! Thanks Eric for both your work in helping to make this happen, and you photo essay allowing us to join you.
What they all said!!
My favorite part begins at 4:03. The smile of a proud craftsman in earlier pictures rings out when we hear that beautiful whistle for the first time. Well done Eric and tehanks for taking us along.
Being very interested in the eames break I was happy to really hear it at around the 15:00 min mark. You see it and hear it ejecting out the straight unmuffled pipe and honestly didn’t sound that loud or screechy. What was your take on how loud it was in person. I am wondering why they went to so much trouble to muffle it?
It was quite a treat to be the first to blow the whistle…that I made. The handsome face in that video was James the Day’s fireman, not me but he was just as tickled!
Excellent video. The engine looks and sounds fantastic. Video quality is superb too - love the colors at the run-around.
Simply amazing Eric! Great work by all who were involved. A great little loco brought back to live on some more. Thanks for sharing this.
I was referring to this happy, proud, smiling face of accomplishment and the pleasure of hearing that whistle for the first time.