Stewartstown RR #6

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

Randy Gustafson wrote:

Does Plymouth 6 have a similar mechanical transmission like 9?

I got to inspect 9 and was astounded at the mechanical transmission (4 speed?) with a clutch pedal with about a 12" vertical throw and nearly took all your weight to hold down.

Other than the two-speed drive in a Climax A that's the darndest engine-to-wheels system I've personally seen in a locomotive.

The fact that 9 still runs with that LeRoi gas engine is just amazing, even if you have little respect for critters it's a pretty notable piece of equipment.

Randy.

Yep. It’s the same transmission. 4 speed with a built in reverser. There’s a secret to those clutch pedals. They are air assisted. When the engine is running, that clutch pushes in a lot easier. #6 has the same external dimensions as #9 just has less weight attached to the chassis. They both use 2.5” pitch chain to drive the axles. #6 is single width, and #9 has double width chains.

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

Here are some pics from today’s work. The exhaust stack is off. The hood is a rusty mess and the old exhaust pipes were held up by wire. So much to fix here.

PMC · **Joined:** Sat Oct 17, 2015 5:55 pm **Posts:** 1841

The exhaust manifold in the second photo looks like an original, but the one in the third photo does not.

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

PMC wrote:

The exhaust manifold in the second photo looks like an original, but the one in the third photo does not.

You are correct. This thing has had many questionable repairs. Including a custom exhaust manifold.

Some pics from today. Got the Sand Dome and Sanders off.

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

An update from today.

The sanders are done. Had to make new clean-out plates and gaskets.

Next is the sand dome. Have it disassembled and will drop off the castings tomorrow at the blast shop. Need to make a new sheet metal part for the center. Too far gone.

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

The main air reservoirs are back from the blast shop. I have both of them drilled according to CFR229.31. Need to get the other one painted and then see if they pass the Hydrostatic test. As far as I know, they are the original 1939 air tanks.

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

Both air reservoirs passed the Hydrostatic test and we installed them today.

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

Here are some more updates.

The sand dome castings are back from the blast shop. Need to fabricate a new sheet metal cylinder/barrel. The castings are in great shape, but the sheet metal is too far gone.

I jacked the loco up yesterday. It’s much nicer to work on the wheels, axles, sprockets, and chains with it up off the rails.

Both drive chains and both sides of the brake linkage are off and ready to rebuild.

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

Here are some update pictures. The chains are repaired and reinstalled. I’m still working on getting the tension right. We took the linkage apart and freed up the radiator louvers one at a time. They haven’t moved in a very long time. I’m currently going though the brake linkage, piece by piece. I’ll post more pictures when they are done and reinstalled.

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

Small Halloween update.

My neighbor decided to decorate Little Mo for a party we were having over here. I think he did a nice job.

Also, I broke an air cylinder part and am working on making a new one.

QJdriver · **Posted:** Wed Nov 02, 2022 9:26 pm

That skeleton crew is looking good, maybe you've started a tradition. Now, if you just had some tank cars for the blood bank, embalming fluid, eyeball juice, etc...

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

QJdriver wrote:

That skeleton crew is looking good, maybe you've started a tradition. Now, if you just had some tank cars for the blood bank, embalming fluid, eyeball juice, etc...

Thanks Sammy. I would like to get them to help with our Halloween trains once #6 is back home at Stewartstown.

I managed to fabricate the brake part and the cylinder is reassembled. Almost done with the right side brake linkage. Will post more pics once it’s all installed.

Also got the front axle moved forward so the chain tension is correct.

jayrod · **Posted:** Sun Nov 13, 2022 12:05 am

Kappy wrote:

Randy Gustafson wrote:

Does Plymouth 6 have a similar mechanical transmission like 9?

I got to inspect 9 and was astounded at the mechanical transmission (4 speed?) with a clutch pedal with about a 12" vertical throw and nearly took all your weight to hold down.

Other than the two-speed drive in a Climax A that's the darndest engine-to-wheels system I've personally seen in a locomotive.

The fact that 9 still runs with that LeRoi gas engine is just amazing, even if you have little respect for critters it's a pretty notable piece of equipment.

Randy.

Yep. It’s the same transmission. 4 speed with a built in reverser. There’s a secret to those clutch pedals. They are air assisted. When the engine is running, that clutch pushes in a lot easier. #6 has the same external dimensions as #9 just has less weight attached to the chassis. They both use 2.5” pitch chain to drive the axles. #6 is single width, and #9 has double width chains.

Interesting. Our 8 toner has the gigantic 4-speed that you see in a lot of Plymouths and there’s no air assist or evidence of once having it on the clutch. I have no clue when it was built as the serial number has been obliterated. It has been modified extensively and sports a Detroit 3-71 engine, Allison torque converter, different radiator and air brakes so dating it is impossible.

Kappy · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2022 8:04 pm **Posts:** 18

A little Sunday update.

Both sides of the brake linkage are rebuilt and reinstalled. The next step is to remove the hood and get that old engine out of there. I got some of the hood disassembled before getting rained out today.

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Sun Nov 27, 2022 2:20 pm

Engine being overhauled/rebuilt, or replaced?

Stewartstown RR #6

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