Re: C & S 1008 Update - Sept. 2015 (2): Cupola and More Interior

A lot of progress has been made to complete the cupola frame. In these photos, it is clear which pieces are refurbished old, and which are recreated new. It was challenging to recreate in wood the various mortices, beveled edges, angled tenons, curved frame pieces, and detailed cross-sections that make up this unit. A lot of the complexity is due to the distinctive curved roof and sloped sides! First is the "back" that is above the "B" end wall. Note that the original cupola roof and carlines (which will be reused) are placed on top for fitting.


This is the "front" and left wall.


This sure is an improvement in the "completeness" of the cupola, considering that the as found condition was missing most of one side and a corner.


The interior work has moved on to one of the long bunk benches. Here is the as-found bench prior to disassembly. All of the visible exterior pieces and the two hinged top lids (not shown) can be restored, some of the interior frame has to be re-made.


One end piece of the bench has some apparently "original" and different paint color. This surface was buried against the desk cabinet, so would not have been accessible for repaint. Hopefully, the color in the picture comes through as a gloss "Tuscan" red, more magenta in tone compared to the oxide red or red-brown that is found on parts repainted over the years.


Another milestone was a successful test of our precious K-1 Triple Valve. We were fortunate to have a properly equipped museum "air room" offer to conduct the test on their Westinghouse test stand (which itself is an historic artifact!). This type of valve is internally more complex than most would think; engineered as it is to modulate the pressure delivered to the brake cylinder from the reservoir, in response to changes in train line pressure and retainer settings. Fortunately, all functions were satisfactory for placing our valve into service. This is good news, since there are few technicians with the knowledge to properly rebuild these valves, which haven't been made for about 50 years!

Until later.

Bob of AZ