D&RGW #315 progress

Work has started on a second-Saturday basis . The
following has been done, in anticipation of a boiler inspection by Ed Kalmbach :
1.grates removed
2.boiler wash
3.steam dome removed
4.cleanout of front end and removal of what is left of Master Mechanic front end baffles
Other things done :
5.removal of fake stack(straight stack was in good shape).
What we are presently working on :
6.procurement of a Pyle headlight .The Colorado R.R. Museum graciously offered to lend or sell us a bad-order headlight that is missing parts .It will do for now .If anyone knows where a Pyle headlight in good order can be found ,we would like to hear from you .
7.Arrangements are being made to construct a boiler tube pilot based on what was on the engine about 1939 . It was a short pilot ,identical to what is now on 480s and 490s . Earl Knoob of the C&TS kindly offered us used flues for assembly (we may need only one length).I also got Mark Yates to allow us to borrow a damaged pilot ,as long as I signed off personally on it . We may not need it as one of our members has drawn out a plan . Long range plans are determine whether or not the engine can be returned to service . An ultrasonic test of the boiler as well as removal of flues for an inspection of the barrel will be done to that end . If the boiler is worn out ,as thorough cosmetic repair of the engine will proceed anyway ,with repairs roadworthy in anticipation of the possibility of eventually obtaining a new boiler .To that end we plan to build a new cab , tender frame , tender tank and put on appliances like a second 9 1/2 " air pump , correct couplers and pockets ,new piping where needed ase well as a generator .Aquisition and rebuilding of appliances necessary to operation will of course depend on the outcome of the boiler inspections .In short ,after fifty years on display , the engine needs everything ! Curiously ,after much big talk from the D&SNG about their desire to do the heavy mechanical repair and operate this historic engine , Dan McCall no longer returns calls from Jim Granflaten , our group's president .(Mc Call told Jim it would cost only $15,000 to do the boiler work on the engine!) So far the C&TS mamagement has been very cooperative and accessable to our group . Of course they cannot sell us parts ,etc. as it is state-owned. Nevertheless their help will be remembered if or when this locomotive can be returned to service .Heavy repair on the boiler and running gear will be ,at my request , put out to bid . This process could take many years to bring to fruition ,so patience is the key .The good news is we have a group of very nice and enthusiastic members . No big egos allowed . I will post membership information later .