May 3, 2010

Flash-back to interesting work on the boiler

These are some photos taken in the Summer & Fall of 2009 by Jason Lamb.  Jason is an employee at Historic Machinery Services in Steele, AL and an experienced steam locomotive mechanic.  He recently shared these photos with us.

The bottom half of the smokebox needed to be replaced due to extensive corrosion, there were holes in the smokebox in some areas.  It is shown here being removed from the boiler.


Photo: Jason Lamb
The old and the new smoke box bottom.  (in the background is 1744's boiler, Rio Grande Scenic RR, Alamosa, CO)
Photo: Jason Lamb
New bottom of the smoke box in place for the final fit up.
Photo: Jason Lamb

Drilling holes in the smoke box bottom for riveting.  Jason Lamb in the 2nd photo.


Photo: Jason Lamb

Installation of the bottom half of the smoke box complete and in position, waiting to be riveted.


Photo: Jason Lamb
   

Bob Yuill uses a portable flange facing machine to face the seat of the steam dome.  The old dome studs have been removed and will be replaced with new ones.  A new steam dome lid will also be made.


Photo: Jason Lamb

The same facing process was used for the man hole.


Photo: Jason Lamb
   

Inside the fire box, a portable machine cuts 45 degree bevels on the fire side of the tube sheet for each flue hole.  Following SP practice, the superheater flues will be flared out in to the 45 degree bevel and then seal welded.


Photo: Jason Lamb

All new tubes & flues delivered & waiting to be installed.


Photo: Jason Lamb

The smokebox is installed and riveted in place, the tubes and flues are also installed.  This shows the boiler as it sits in April 2010, complete and hydro-tested, ready to be reunited with the rest of the locomotive.


Photo: Jason Lamb

Historic Machinery Shop showing 786 boiler (center) and 1744 boiler (left, Rio Grande Scenic RR, Alamosa, CO) and 463 boiler (right, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR, Chama, NM)


Photo: Jason Lamb