We focused on three projects:
1. Removal of the D-9's engine to gain access to the torque converter.
2. Replacement of the ballast in and around the rails leading into the machine shop portion of the MCRR's main building.
3. Removal of some damaged hoses on the Baldwin 2-6-0, the "6".
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1. D-9.
As written in the May work weekend blog entry, besides the D-9's repainting, an o-ring within the unit's torque converter needs to be replaced. The original plan was to disconnect the coupling on the rear flange of the torque converter, remove the rear engine mounts and simply tilt the engine to allow remove the torque converter.
Most critical in this scheme was the removal of the torque converter's rear flange once the engine was tilted. The mechanics working on the project determined that the flange would not break free therefore the decision was made to remove the engine/torque converter assembly.
Braden G. and Roger R. are disconnecting various wires, hoses, and other bits of mechanical trappings on the D-9's engine.
Wayne P. and Braden G. discuss the next step in the engine's removal.
Roger R. removes one of the front engine mount bolts.
Wayne P. watches while Roger is removing the front engine mount bolts.
With all the trappings removed or disconnected, Braden G. operates the overhead crane. It was still thought at this time that the torque converter's rear flange would slip off, making engine removal unnecessary.
After discovering that the flange was not ready or willing to be removed, the decision was made to lift the engine from the D-9's frame. The severe tilt of the engine was not necessary for its removal, instead, it was a remnant of the tilt necessary for the flange removal. And, if you are curious, yes, it did making removing the engine a "challenge."
The engine, clear of the D-9, is moved to a secure place on the shop floor.
This is what an engine-less D-9 looks like.
This is what the D-9's engine looks like away from the confines of the frame.
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2. Ballast.
While some volunteers were overcoming the torque converter's extraction others were digging the old ballast out of the track leading north from the machine shop door.
Griffin W. operates the Case Backhoe which greatly reduced the time typically needed to remove old ballast.
A bit of manual labor is always necessary on any project and especially when it comes to track maintenance.
Dallas K. uses the skid steer to bring gravel to the work site.
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3. 6's hoses.
While the other two major projects were occurring, John G. removed the damaged lines connecting the 6 to its tender.
Caught in the act of actually working.
-steam.airman
