Submitted by Steve Winicker.
LAST WEEKENDS SHOP ACTIVITY
Quite a few projects were advanced on getting the annual inspection of the locomotive completed. With the revitalization of the Grove crane, we were able to lift off the steam dome and install a blanking plate over the dry pipe. Zach Hall is looking for material to make a new copper gasket for the dome. Once that is done this can go back together for the hydrostatic test. Having some time left over the tender drawbar pin was dropped as well. On Saturday a hearty crew including Al Rayner, Austin Rayner Brody Brown and Andrew Worman got the engine drawbar pin out and we removed the drawbars. These will be cleaned over the next week or so and inspected for cracks and wear. John looked at the bonnet and valve of the Stoker valve from the 779. It appears the valve may be serviceable but not compatible with the current valve. We will be planning an excursion to trade valves with the 779 in the next couple of weeks. Sunday Jim Arras dead weight tested the locomotive gauges and found all to be serviceable other than the small one on the cold-water pump discharge. That will be replaced.
Other projects that received attention included the removal and disposal of the sub floor in the future open-air car. That is now ready for the repair of the floor supports followed by cleaning and reinstallation of the floor.
Rich Wolfgang and John Jaress worked on the box car installing a number grab irons.
WD and crew completed some additional wiring on the SD9 as well as other miscellaneous work.
Miscellaneous work was done on the diner as well by Tom Jaite. Can’t say what all that involved other than the heaters work and the likely cause of the leak identified.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Of primary importance is cleaning, measuring, and testing the drawbars. On the same importance level is taking apart the buffer so we can clean and shim the buffer to return it to the original standard. Hopefully much of this can be accomplished in the next week or so, as we need to be able to move the engine by mid-March.
Work on other projects will continue as well
SAFETY SENSE
When doing everyday chores around and/or the house or repair work in the garage, we can become complacent about remembering to use the proper eye protection. We must remember that an eye injury that can occur in a split second can have lifelong impact on vision.
Prevent Blindness America urges everyone to wear eye wear approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The eyewear should have the “Z-87” logo stamped on the frames. An additional benefit from purchasing ANSI approved eyewear, including sunglasses, is that the frames are more durable and can withstand physical abuse much better than non-approved eyewear.
Prevent Blindness America also recommends the following:…
- Wear safety glasses with side protection or dust goggles to protect against flying particles, and chemical goggles to guard against exposure to fertilizers and pesticides.
- If you wear prescription glasses, many safety glasses or goggles will fit over your regular glasses. Regular eyeglasses do not always provide enough protection and may even cause further injury upon impact.
- Inspect and remove debris from lawns before mowing.
- Keep paints, pesticides, fertilizers, and similar products properly stored in a secure area. Read and follow all product, especially safety, instructions.
- Keep tools in good condition. Damaged tools should be set aside immediately and not used until repaired or replaced.
- Welding or brazing requires special safety goggles or helmets. Consult your equipment instruction or supplier for the proper protection.
Remember, your eyes are sensitive and delicate and my nor heal from a significant injury. Protect them….Always!
