Re: CRRM 2/16/12

Mike

You are 90% correct. We went with what the insurance inspector, and the state inspector recomended (at that time in history). The first boiler company wanted to lap weld to the end sheets and lap the weld down the center of the crown sheet. They were fired. A second boiler company was able to do the work as required by the state and insurance inspectors and did a good job. We ran the stay bolts and rivited the mud ring. Rules were cahanged,a good thing for all of us. The more that poor old boiler was worked on and looked at, the worse shape it seemed to be. The more that we dug into the remains of the running gear the larger the problems became. One example being was that half of the hubliners were just gone. Also one of the drivers spring packs was two inches shorter than the other seven.People smarter than I am wisely threw in the towel.

We did run it for awhile. It was a nice running little beast, with lots of problems.

It must also be remembered at that time in the museum's history, We worked outside in all weather, with what was available, and with very limited funds

All of that said. It looks great now. It has the right tender, boiler jacket color, and lettering. Wonderful job.

Cheers
Dirk