www.ncngrrmuseum.org - Steam Progress- 2007

(click to enlarge photos)

Work has progressed smoothly since construction began in July, 2006. The majority of machining on the pistons, cylinders, and Baker valve gear is completed. Fabrication of the braking system will commence after installation of the reverser. The cab floor is installed and decisions concerning ascetics and materials for the cab itself are nearly complete.

In the first photo, brass inlet and outlet fittings are installed into the steam piston and main cylinders.

Detailed view of steam piston and cylinder assemblies with the cylinder cocks installed.

This detail focuses on the connection of the piston rod, main connecting rod, and union link to the Baker valve gear.

The locomotive cab floor is fabricated of ¼ inch diamond plate. Construction of the wooden cab will begin later this summer.

This left-side view shows the main cylinder, steam valve, and Baker valve gear assembly. The engine moves easily on shop air.

The shop's 1908 belt driven lathe was used to coil the 90 feet of stainless steel tubing that will be the heart of the steam generator.

Early in September, project leader Rolf Laessig was seen fitting the burner support for the steam generator.

By October, the new pilot was built and installed...

... and the boiler shell was finished and delivered.

The cab is constructed of straight grain fir and all the joints are mortise and tenon. They were built in the wood shop of a crew member and then transported to the museum shop for assembly.

The end of 2007 saw many of the major components completed and the project is on schedule for completion in 2009.