Re: The Mudhens - 100 years ago today

Actually yes, the machinist in our shop named Larry Blecha, told me he had a heck of a time setting the valves on it because they are so different. He is upset because he thinks they didn't get all of the power out of it that they wanted to. But I think they got most of it!!!
Its plenty powerful as it is. I can see that power would start to matter if we were pulling thirty or so freight cars, but it doesnt matter if we're pulling only 6 coaches, which im told is it absolute "minimum" tonnage rating, thats why we just made an order for I think 2 more cars. We are running up to 6% grades!! 4% most of the time.
But, basically, I am told that helmholts is designed to be easy for any kind of machine shop big or small to be able to machine new parts for side rods, or maybe even new rods. Such as the link, instead of having a curve or radius in it, it is totally straight. If you want any photos of the valve gear, I will email some to you, I suppose you probably will ehh?!
Kevin Bush
Kevin Bush