September 7,2009

Cylinder heads and Crosshead machine work

 

Machining is being done on:

Cylinders are now sitting on stand with front face pointing toward machine spindle. Photo shows set up of cylinders on stand and the use of dial indicator (inside bore) through the completed cylinder bore to verify location.
 
Machining work is being done on the front faces, front valve cage seats and front half of upper frame rail fits. The cylinder machining is expected to be completed by the end of September. 

The cylinders have been placed on the frame and the alignment of the pilot holes on the cylinders to the existing frame holes is good.
Photo: Steam Operations Corporation
One of over 50 drawings developed for the restoration of #786 and the new cylinder application.
Photo: Steam Operations Corporation
Josh Crowe machining new front cylinder head.
Photo: Steam Operations Corporation
New front cylinder head in the CNC mill to machine clearance hole for piston rod nuts on inside face.
Photo: Steam Operations Corporation
Drilling cylinder head stud holes in new cast steel cylinder head.
Photo: Steam Operations Corporation
Machining new cast steel drawbar center casting.  The drawbar center casting is a critical component.  It is mounted on the frame at the rear of the locomotive.  The drawbar, which pulls all of the weight of the train, is secured to the casting with a large pin.
Photo: Steam Operations Corporation
New wrist pin machined with nut. Threads on nut are complete and the next step is machining the hex on the nut.

In the background, you can see the original wrist pins & nuts.

New wrist pins were needed because the tapers in the crossheads were machined a bit larger to clean up the inside surfaces for a perfect fit.

Photo: Steam Operations Corporation
Crossheads after re machining of wrist pin tapers.
Photo: Steam Operations Corporation