WF&P News - March 13, 2010

Lorance and Welch reassembled the repaired RH turntable. Grumpy finished and displayed his new “blue flag” that clamps to a rail. Tabernacki, Wapelhorst, Brennan, Jr. were on site. Cullen painted parts for one of the boxcar trucks. White made measurements and started to modify new grate castings for 401.

Welch and Bitsch continued to put up new wall covering bare stucco and brick in the stucco bldg. compressor room. Bitsch said it was too damp to mole. Grumpy, Jr., Wapelhorst and Rands were in the car shop. Hardt was out earlier working on the new tender for 928. Rands returned drivers for 401. There are significant cracks in hubs with several failed previous repair attempts. Eventual replacement will be the best solution. Machining journals for roller bearings is complete. Modification of axles has started. White found a new blade for the big band saw in the machine shop. The old blade was pretty dull. The saw now actually cuts again. White continued to modify the cast grates for 401 (and 535). The new blade makes the work go much faster (duh!). Grumpy came into the RH and assisted Cullen in reassembling the boxcar truck. There was much cussing and hollering but Grumpy really loves teaching someone what he’s learned from years of practice. Earlier in the week Haack discussed a design for the firebox arch in 928 with Wayne Peters, Pres of ImmrieGielow a local refractory company. Wayne offered last summer to supply materials if we ever needed them. White talked him into not only supplying all materials for 928’s repair but coming out to help put it back together the way the pros do. He will also be on hand when we fire it the first time to make sure the grout is cured correctly. Wayne has a young son who REALLY loves trains! I think Dad enjoyed being in the RH as well.

White, Haack and Cullen worked in the RH. There was a lengthy discussion about boilers, prospects for inspections, and several iterations of a plan forward. All three worked on 928 preparing for firebrick replacement and other issues. Welch brought in the fiber optic scope so Haack could look inside 535, 400 and 401. This is an amazingly useful tool but it’s hard to snake the probe between flues. Hank is getting pretty adept at using it. We examined the 401’s drivers and discussed replacement options. Use of the existing 85 year old drivers which were damaged when the loco fell off a 5’ high bridge years ago are iffy but not ruled out at this time. White finished modification of grates and Haack made runners to fit the 401’s firebox. Welch, Lorance, Marx and Mosbacher cleaned leaves off the pile of rail at the ballast pile and started to reorganize. Scott and Wapelhorst worked on a brake flat.

As always I apologize if I missed anyone. I am no longer responsible for my memory.

TCW-SMP (for now)