Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

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NP317
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by NP317 »

Dick:
Amazing to see your group's process over the years. BTDT.
A tale of perseverance!
RussN
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Dick_Morris
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

The July status report is at http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-l ... index.html.

I'm glad the brakes on our models aren't this complex!
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stainless-tube.jpg
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LVRR2095
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by LVRR2095 »

It looks like you’ve changed from the original 6 ET brake to a self lapping 26L set up.

Keith
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Dick_Morris
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

It looks like you’ve changed from the original 6 ET brake to a self lapping 26L set up.
Yes. This is being done to make it compatible with positive train control.
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NP317
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by NP317 »

That is beautifully implemented plumbing!
RussN
Gra2472
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Gra2472 »

I agree with RussN. Wow, whoever did the plumbing must have some incredible talent. This is really exciting to see a locomotive overhauled from the wheels up. No disrespect, but I hope you have an engine crew that reflects the time and work that your shop has put into the locomotive. As an old engineer from the Southern Pacific that trained me once said, “Treat her like a lady, work her like a….ahem……..w….re.” I hope to see video of this locomotive barking her way through Alaska soon.
7.5" Allen Mogul
3 x 7.5" West Valley Baldwin Westinghouse Electrics
The railroad is almost done.
G. Augustus
Monte Rio, Ca.
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Dick_Morris
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

Credit for the the upgrade of the brake valve including the piping goes to Paul Dalleska.

We expect the volunteer overhaul crew will continue to be involved after she goes into operation. They all have several years of their lives invested so have a vested interest.
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NP317
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by NP317 »

Indeed it will be good to see that locomotive steaming again.
I first saw it at Monte Holms collection in Moses Lake, WA, if I remember correctly.

I was trained to run steam by a Great Northern Engineer, James Norvell.
He told me "Fire her hot, and run her gracefully."
Words to live by.
RussN
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Dick_Morris
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

The newest status report is at https://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former- ... noxEJQ-Zxc

One improvement we are making is to install aluminum shields with seals to protect the driver bearings from some of the contamination that blows around under a steam locomotive. Another is to add a thermocouple to each of the eight main and two leading truck bearings so their temperature can be monitored from the cab. The tender bearings shouldn't need much maintenance, we converted them to roller bearings.
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NP317
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by NP317 »

Wise improvements!
RussN
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Dick_Morris
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by Dick_Morris »

The latest status report is posted at https://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former- ... index.html
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557 engine 23 side view with Gerry  (1 of 1) reduced.jpg
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NP317
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Re: Steam railroading to return to Alaska!

Post by NP317 »

Wonderful progress being made on #557!
Looks like quality work too. The future looks good.
RussN
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