As I mentioned in an earlier post on valve setting, the D&RGW's method of timing the engines was to make adjustments to whatever part was easiest. The combination levers were a favorite as they were easy to get to and bend. Here is an old one from 487. All the holes are supposed to be in a straight line. I had to do quite a bit of adjusting to get everything back to original shape and dimensions. Through the years the holes in the various valve motion parts have been reamed and bored due to wear. Often, the machinist doing the work was not too particular about keeping the locations exactly right. I am trying to correct those errors as I go through things now.
Boring the combination lever to return the hole spacing to print.
The left piston required a new set of rings. Mike made a special jig for holding them in the Bullard while they are machined.
Mike and Ducky installing the new rings on the piston.
We hope to get 487 complete and out the door next week so we can get 484 in get it torn apart. May 27th is approaching fast.
Russ