In the shop...
Spearheaded by Kendall O and Matt W, they, along with several additional volunteers, stripped the back end of the boiler of all valves, piping, wiring, and controls. Visitors to the RR this summer will see Nathan Monitor injectors, new valves, and an uncluttered back end.
This is the back end's "before" view.
The volunteers resorted to the acetylene wrench to free several of the fittings.
The back end after the initial decluttering phase.
The 12's winter cleanup was started the day after the last North Pole Express train. We were able to dry the steam driven appliances and steam cylinders plus wash the steam side of the boiler but due to the weather, not too much more.
The running gear was cleaned and polished by Joanie M, Alex M, Nick M, and Micah M.
No. 14 had its air brake cylinders removed and disassembled. Next month, the cylinders will be fitted with new components and reinstalled.
Ryan F, Dave O, and Dustin B discuss how to remove the brake piston rods from the housing. Years of dirt and wear made the task far more interesting than it should have been!
Dave M uses the needle scaler to clean some concrete-like muck off the brake cylinder housing.
-steam.airman
