The Durango Railway Historical Society took posession of its first narrow gauge car . Last Friday we moved ex-Uintah Ry.,ex-D&RGW water car 0470 . The car now resides on my property near Bayfield . The car is dilapidated .The "B" end (with brake staff)is falling apart . Despite that ,we think we can repair the car by replacing the left exterior sill and possibly putting a splice on the center sills . A big job , but hopefully not requiring a complete frame rebuild ,like the 315 tender . Special thanks to Evan buchanan ,Joel Mason and Dave Schranck of the D&SNG for their help in loading the car .
Saturday we finally fitted the truss rods into the 315 tender frame ,attaching the front buffer and rear coupler pocket . We also attached the air brake cylinder . Alas ,we attempted to put up the front brake beam ,but needed more tools and time . The plan is to put the new cistern(tender tank , also residing at the Coker homestead)before the snow flies . Tender completion will probably happen in the spring of 2005.
The DRHS was also awarded a grant from the Narrow Gauge Preservation Foundation $6000 for purchasing hardwood lumber to build a new cab .Our carpenter lead man, George Niederaurer, needs a break from the huge tender frame project , but will start building the cab next year .
A private donor purchased a NEW 9 1/2" air pump .It is made in The Peoples' Republic of China, and supposedly is exactly like a Westinghouse pump ,with corresponsding English standard measurements ,so parts are interchangeable .
We will be sampling metal from different courses in the boiler ,hopefully this week . Carbon content is critical in getting the boiler certified by the FRA .
While we are actively seeking grants for finishing repairs in the locomotive ,your help is needed - and welcome .
www.drhs315.org
www.rrart.com
