Re: Donald Makes a Comeback.
| July 18, 2021 01:38PM |
Hi Chris
First a comment regarding the limited number of responses to your posting regarding Donald. Just the fact that I am replying to your suggestion that I may provide some information about securing the smokebox door should let you know that I like many others read much of what is posted on the forum without replying. After reading down the list of responses I was very surprised and pleased to see my name mentioned in your posting.
I too have been disappointed when I post a report on my current project (C&S caboose 1008 restoration progress) and find few responses. However, I do understand that many of the comments which are very kind my purpose for posting is not to receive “Nice work” comments. My purpose is to keep our fellow narrow gauge enthusiasts up to date on my work and to maybe receive comments or suggestions from others who have done similar work.
I also post reports on the C&Sng site. One of the features of that site is there is a counter that tallies the number of views your posting receives. I know that this has been brought up on this forum as a suggestion and I don’t remember the reason given that it is not included (possibly extra cost).
I am very grateful to the owners of this site and have enjoyed being part of those who share information about our common interest.
Now regarding smoke box doors.
The smokebox door on my locomotive “Gwen” is very similar to that on Donald. Here are a few pictures which show the system.
This photo shows the smokebox door open and the bar which runs across the opening. Notice that there are two bars and a space between them.
. This photo shows the inside of the smokebox door, notice the “Dart” which comes through the door and is put in the space between the two bars as the door is closed. The dart point must be on its side to go between the bars when the door is closed.
This is the dart assembly. The end of the dart opposite the point has a section which is square followed by threads to the end of the part.
Once the door is closed with the dart is passing through to bars so the point of the dart is completely thought, the first handle which has a square hole is put on over the square section of the dart. Then the second handle is threaded on the end of the dart. The handle covering the square section of the dart is then turned at least ninety degrees which brings the ends of the point into contact with the bars in the smokebox. Then the second handle is tightened against the first which pulls the door closed.
This is what the front of the smokebox door looks like when closed.
Richard Farmer
First a comment regarding the limited number of responses to your posting regarding Donald. Just the fact that I am replying to your suggestion that I may provide some information about securing the smokebox door should let you know that I like many others read much of what is posted on the forum without replying. After reading down the list of responses I was very surprised and pleased to see my name mentioned in your posting.
I too have been disappointed when I post a report on my current project (C&S caboose 1008 restoration progress) and find few responses. However, I do understand that many of the comments which are very kind my purpose for posting is not to receive “Nice work” comments. My purpose is to keep our fellow narrow gauge enthusiasts up to date on my work and to maybe receive comments or suggestions from others who have done similar work.
I also post reports on the C&Sng site. One of the features of that site is there is a counter that tallies the number of views your posting receives. I know that this has been brought up on this forum as a suggestion and I don’t remember the reason given that it is not included (possibly extra cost).
I am very grateful to the owners of this site and have enjoyed being part of those who share information about our common interest.
Now regarding smoke box doors.
The smokebox door on my locomotive “Gwen” is very similar to that on Donald. Here are a few pictures which show the system.
This photo shows the smokebox door open and the bar which runs across the opening. Notice that there are two bars and a space between them. 
. This photo shows the inside of the smokebox door, notice the “Dart” which comes through the door and is put in the space between the two bars as the door is closed. The dart point must be on its side to go between the bars when the door is closed.
This is the dart assembly. The end of the dart opposite the point has a section which is square followed by threads to the end of the part.
Once the door is closed with the dart is passing through to bars so the point of the dart is completely thought, the first handle which has a square hole is put on over the square section of the dart. Then the second handle is threaded on the end of the dart. The handle covering the square section of the dart is then turned at least ninety degrees which brings the ends of the point into contact with the bars in the smokebox. Then the second handle is tightened against the first which pulls the door closed.
This is what the front of the smokebox door looks like when closed.Richard Farmer
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488 stops for water at Los Pinos tank on closing day Oct. 1979. Photo courtesy Don Richter
The NGDF was started by Don Richter and is currently operated in his memory by Nathan Holmes and others. Others who have contributed to the upkeep of this board are (in no particular order): Charles McCandless, Everett Lueck, Ted Wilton, Cole Adams, James Bane, John Moellmer, Jon Bentz, Linn Moedinger, lloyd lehrer, Rod Jensen, John Craft, Steven Forney, Herb Kelsey, Bill Ramaley, Russ Sperry (El Russo Loco), Josh McNeal, John West, Jim Armstrong, Bob Bergstrom, Greg Scholl, Blake Forbes Doug van Veelen and Mark Fuller.