Submitted by Steve Winicker.
LAST WEEKENDS SHOP ACTIVITY
On the 765 old washout plug sleeves along the throat sheet were cut out so they can be replaced. The 1944 sleeves had reached the point that continued cutting of the plug seats were impractical and the plugs were a continuing source of leaks. New sleeves have been made and with the information on fit now collected will be threaded for application into the boiler. The feed water heater was disassembled and checked for wear. One plug was remade and some adjustment on valve clearance was needed, otherwise everything appeared to be within the tolerance range
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
The plan for the coming weekend is a bit different than usual. Another work blitz to finish the flat car deck is scheduled for Thursday and Friday. At the end of the day it is planned to go out and be replaced by the 358 which will be in the shop for work on cleaning and repair of battery boxes and other sheet metal Saturday along with anything else WD has planned for the weekend. Parts of the trailing truck need a final cleaning before Friday evening as well so if you want to come out and pressure wash parts be sure to show up Thursday. It is supposed to be warm – ish.
Also, on Saturday there will be a day long board meeting off site. Most of the board and project managers will be at the meeting for at least part of the day.
I am assuming there will be projects for those who show up. I know the front end of the 765 needs to be cleaned out. The firebox walls could have the soot knocked off as well as we hope to do some side sheet staybolt replacement later this winter. I believe there is some Wabash Caboose work scheduled as well.
Sunday more of the same. I believe DJ and others may be at the shop early but I don’t have the schedule. I will be out by 10:30 to 11. The plan will be to finish up whatever is not finished from Thursday through Saturday
SAFETY SENSE
The last week provided some of winter’s worst driving conditions. Although conditions have improved significantly, winter is not over yet and therefore a few winter driving tips are offered.
Get a grip…. To have adequate snow traction, a tire requires at least 6/32-inch deep tread, according to The Tire Rack. (New passenger-car tires usually have 10/32-inch of tread.) Ultrahigh-performance “summer” tires have little or no grip in snow. Even “all-season” tires don’t necessarily have great snow traction: Some do, some don’t.
Make sure you can see…. Replace windshield wiper blades. Clean the inside of your windows thoroughly. Apply a water-shedding material (such as Rain-X) to the outside of all windows, including the mirrors to make snow and ice removal easier. Rain-X also makes summer bug removal from the wind shield much easier. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid. Drain older fluid by running the washers until new fluid appears, switching fluid colors makes this easy.
Run the air-conditioner…. In order to remove condensation and frost from the interior of windows, engage your air-conditioner and select the fresh air option: It’s fine to set the temperature on “hot.” Many cars automatically do this when you choose the defrost setting.
Watch carefully for “black ice”…. If the road looks slick, it probably is. This is especially true with one of winter’s worst hazards: “black ice.” Also called “glare ice,” this is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. Test the traction with a smooth brake application or slight turn of the wheel.
Technology offers no miracles…. All-wheel drive and electronic stability control can get you into trouble by offering a false sense of security. All Wheel Drive can only help a vehicle accelerate or keep moving: It can’t help you go around a snow-covered turn, much less stop at an icy intersection. Electronic Stability Control can prevent a spin out, but it can’t clear ice from the roads or give your tires more traction. Don’t let these systems lull you into overestimating the available traction.
Regardless of your driving skill or vehicle preparation, there are some winter conditions that can’t be conquered. Remember to reduce your speed during adverse road conditions. These tips may help prevent snowy and icy roads from ruining your day.
SAFETY IS JOB 1
SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS
Zach working on 765’s throat sheet
