In preparation for the upcoming season, we dissembled and inspected the 765′s MB-type stoker. Here it is running on shop air shortly before re-installation.
A steam locomotive is comprised of many appliances, all with specific tasks and all powered by steam themselves. The MB-type stoker motor is capable of feeding up to 10,000lbs of coal per hour to the firebox. Though many think the stoker is automatic, it is controlled by the fireman. A steam valve in the cab powers the motor, which in turn spins a long steel auger in the tender that feeds coal to the firebox when the 765 operates. The speed of the auger depends on the fireman’s ability to determine how much fuel the 765 needs to burn at any given time. As the engineer uses steam to power the locomotive’s wheels, the fireman must make up that steam by combusting more coal, which in turn flashes more water to steam. That water is replaced and fed to the boiler via an injector or water pump.
A fireman is often trying to find the “sweet spot” between the demand for steam by the throttle and the creation within the firebox and boiler. Too much coal smothers the fire and makes it difficult for oxygen to travel through the grates, and too much steam wastes the coal and water as the excess steam is released through safety valves. Too little coal and the grate space of the firebox is being underutilized and the locomotive’s power dwindles, and grates that aren’t covered by coal can actually melt and the cold air traveling through open grates can damage the firebox interior. Likewise, fluctuations between too much and not enough cause unnecessary wear and tear on the boiler and firebox.
When you see black smoke coming from the 765′s stack, it typically means that the fire is heavy and that the coal is not combusting properly. A light gray haze or clean stack typically means the fire is hot, light, and bright.
Though the locomotive can be fed by the stoker, the fireman must occasionally make adjustments to the firebed by fine-tuning stoker jets (which propel the coal being fed with steam into the firebox) or by hand, using the shovel.
If you’d like to see more videos like this, let us know!
Wabash Railroad caboose no. 2543 was built around the turn of the century (circa 1905) and contains a coal stove built at a Fort Wayne foundry and a sink and water tank were apparently added during its service life. This caboose was preserved in Fort Wayne’s Swinney Park in 1957 and removed in 1984 with Lake Erie & Fort Wayne steam locomotive no. 1 (former Wabash no. 543.)
No. 2543 has carried thousands of passengers in service for the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society and has been one of our most active pieces of equipment next to our switch engine, no. 1231 and is now in need of a complete restoration.
Though a significantly sized piece of rolling stock, any piece of railroad equipment is made up of various pieces and sections, all of which require attention in a thorough rebuilding process.
Our assessment of the caboose’s condition has revealed:
Top and bottom beams on are rotted and need replaced
Bottom beam on cupola end of caboose needs replaced
Beam at end of platform that holds railings, brake wheel, ladder, etc. on cupola end of caboose needs replaced
Several roof rafters in the area above the stove are rotted and need replaced
Some vertical wall studs and braces on each side and end need to be replaced
Windows and framing need to be repaired/replaced so they are water-tight
New siding must be installed
Some repairs to the sub-roof are necessary and then a new roofing material put down
Brake rigging has developed issues and need repair
Outside hardware needs to be removed, cleaned and painted
Inside flooring should be replaced
Stove should be removed, cleaned and painted
Flooring in the cupola should be replaced
Sub-floor has rotted off at the ends of the boards, need replaced
We’ve initiated a “Buy a Board” campaign wherein visitors can write their names on a board to help finance the restoration with many having dedicated boards to railroaders in the family or for their children. This will help offset the cost of lumber and other materials.
The scope of this project will require carpentry and woodworking skills and dedicated work by volunteers. If you have any interest in helping return no. 2543 to museum quality condition, please let us know at 260-493-0765 or email us.
