Submitted by Steve Winicker.
LAST WEEKENDS SHOP ACTIVITY
Another productive weekend with several projects being accomplished. Matt Lee was able to straighten and repair the ash pan door. He reinstalled it and tested it on Sunday and found it to be in working order. I finished plumbing up the rail washer piping adding a steam strainer, orifice and another union which will allow us to clean any blockages from ground level. Dave Green repaired a broken lube line on the trailing truck – one to go. We successfully separated the engine and tender, removing the drawbars for cleaning and testing. Special thanks to Dave Cox and others working on the power car for lending a hand with this project. Joe Knapke disassembled the power connection between the engine and tender. A new plug will be ordered, and wiring will be adjusted to prevent it from pulling apart on sharp curves. Matt also successfully removed the plug in the low water alarm that allows us to access the drop tube in the boiler. Unfortunately, the plug was destroyed in this process so a new one will be needed.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
We will see what parts may become available but at minimum we will be cleaning the drawbars and measuring and testing them. If all goes well we will be reinstalling them to the engine and tender next week or the week after. The steam supply line to the hot water pump needs to be inspected and the leak in the line fixed. Possibly replacing a Union in the line or some piping depending on what we find.
SAFETY SENSE
Flammable liquids like oil, gas, kerosene, solvents and non-water based paints present unique fire hazards. They give off invisible vapors that can travel long distances and catch fire quickly or explode when ignited by something as small as a static discharge.
Follow these tips when flammable liquids are stored or in use in the surrounding area….
- Keep away from any ignition sources such as open flames associated with cutting, burning, or heating, arc welding operations or grinding of metal objects.
- Use only in areas with good ventilation.
- Store in approved metal containers.
- Ground and bond containers when transferring materials to safely discharge static electricity.
- Take only what you need for a job.
- Clean up spills and leaks quickly.
- Remove clothing that has absorbed liquids immediately.
- Never store near heat sources.
- Do not cut or weld drums or containers that once contained gasoline or other flammable liquids.
- Flammable liquids should be stored in an approved cabinet.
Following the above guidelines will go a long way to assure safe operation when working with flammable liquids.
