Steam Locomotive Repairs...

When it comes to steam locomotives, work is always underway. On Sumpter Valley Railway Mikado number 19 the disassembly stage of her overhaul is finally complete with the rear section of the firepan coming out to facilitate the installation of the new door sheet sections.Reassembly will begin shortly, and despite several delays, it is still hoped that the big oil-burner will be ready in time for the October photo trains.

 

Jerry Huck cuts the rear of the firepan loose so that the upper side section can come off.

Two sections of the removed firepan showing the draft holes. The large scraped area in the middle of the sheet is where the trailing truck has rubbed against the firepan on tight curves and switches. Sister locomotive number 20 has an inset section in this area to allow the trailing truck more swing. Number 19 will be modified with an indentation as well on the new firepan.

 

The oak flooring has been pulled and the steel sub-floor of the cab has also been cut out to remove the mud ring rivets.

 

The door sheet on number 19 shows off its missing rivets and staybolts. All of these fasteners will be replaced when the interior sheet is renewed.

 

A clear view under the rear of the cab since the back half of the firepan has been removed.

 

Heisler number 3 has recieved attention as well. Bret Bane is performing some minor repairs to the sander valve which had a broken pull rod connector.

 

A new check valve for the fireman's side water injector on number 3. Since this photo was taken the engineer's side has also received a new check valve.