Re: C&S 9 status

The aspect of a from scratch engine was brought up quite some time ago. I suggested to the CHS they reboiler the #9 and build a new tender for it. When she went on static display those parts could go to a scratch built engine. But I think everybody believes the CHS has limitless funds which they do not.

Obviously the problem with the cylinder entails replaceing the whole thing and not just the saddle as its a two piece casting. The defect should of been caught in 2005. More importantly the issue with the boiler should of been caught in 2005. The external corrosion is absolutely terrible. That is where the real issues lie. The CHS did not survey the boiler in 2005 nor did they personally inspect the cylinders. They hired a number of people who should of found the defects. Had that job been done the monies would not of been spent on the #9 in the first place.

There is nothing that we can find on the engine which is original. The boiler and frame were replaced. The cylinders bear C&S casting markings, the domes are C&S and UP and all the valve gear pieces have C&S castings markings just to name a few things. But it is original to 1939. We replaced the Griffen Denver lead truck wheels with new ones because the scope of work included that.

A good static display or occasional exposure to life at partial pressure beats it sitting on a rip track at the loop collecting rust to my way of thinking.

We will post some pictures with the crane and wheels next week.

John Braun