RGS #20 8/21/08

Work this week included installation of side sheet and crown profiles to check staybolt alignment and sheet length prior to ordering the actual sheets. The rear flue sheet has been installed and the mudring holes drilled. It will now get the rest of the holes drilled, laser cut, or waterjet cut depending upon which is most economical. The door sheet was removed and welding started on the backhead. The flue sheet was removed after fitting and the throat sheet - which was more hole than sheet was cut out and the remaining sheet is being repaired where there were cracks radiating from staybolt holes.

Welding on the #3 axle boxes continued. It is a close call whether new boxes should have been made, but I think we will be a little ahead of the game moneywise with the repairs. Besides it looks like at least one of the boxes came from #25 and that has to be worth something.

Rear profiles showing stays


Front profiles showing stays



Rear flue sheet first fit


Outside throat sheet repairs


Backhead welding