Anybody know a source for Soo Line H-3 pacific diagrams. Are there any diagrams that steam-era railroads had that would have shown exactly what places the asbestos lagging were located?

Here is message from the committee step up to abate and resote Soo 735 in Minot:

"We(the concerned citizens to save 735) were to a Park Board meeting last
evening (12-17-02). They discussed the future of 735. After considerable
discussion, their next step is to call for bids for asbestos remediation, in
it's entirety. We impressed on they that they have a very valuable piece of
history and that it isn't something that should be hauled to the land fill,
because of several thousand dollars worth of asbestos on, and in, it. One
of the civilian technicians from the local Air Guard Technical Service
Center came forward and volunteered their services as far as the actual
asbestos removal and containerizing. He asked that there be a structure of
the type necessary to make asbestos removal legal, be constructed. The Park
Board has funds to cover that containment and it was agreed that between
them and our volunteer corps, that we would have that prepared prior to
their arrival. They (the Guard folks) are traveling a lot of the time, but
felt they would be able to schedule a time for removal. It was brought up
that the bids would call for proper removal of all appurtenances, valves,
piping, etc in order that they would be able to be replaced in a proper
procedure that the engine will have an original appearance. We are going on
"hold" until after the holidays, at which time I and the fellows from the
Air Guard will survey the engine much more thoroughly. One thing that we
would appreciate, is if some one could direct us to a set of construction
plans of this engine or a similar engine, in order that we can determine
if,and where, there might be asbestos, internally. We hope that we can get
started on this project in an April/May time frame. We apparently don't
have any deadline to meet, but need to show an effort to reach the desired
result.
Comments are in order and expected, as we respect anything that anyone has
to offer."

Regards, Smokey

terry_dempsey@hotmail.com

Diagrams might be available somewhere but you can not depend on anything but a survey of the locomotive. Anything could have happened between the time it was built and the time they put it in the park. If it looks like insulation it probably is asbestos. You will probably find it covering any part of the boiler or piping that holds heat. Getting it out from between all of the staybolt caps is not an easy job.

While you are at it take the time to remove any cinders, ash, or soot from the smokebox and forebox. Paint these surfaces with a thick coat of paint.

Tom Gears

> Diagrams might be available somewhere but
> you can not depend on anything but a survey
> of the locomotive. Anything could have
> happened between the time it was built and
> the time they put it in the park. If it
> looks like insulation it probably is
> asbestos. You will probably find it covering
> any part of the boiler or piping that holds
> heat. Getting it out from between all of the
> staybolt caps is not an easy job.

> While you are at it take the time to remove
> any cinders, ash, or soot from the smokebox
> and forebox. Paint these surfaces with a
> thick coat of paint.

> Tom Gears

Tom's comments are right on target. On one engine, we found blocks of asbestos in the lining of the side walls of the cab between the floor and the bottom sills of the cab windows. It also was found in the partial back walls of the cab adjoining the gangway. Please note Tom's comments on the lining of the piping. Additional places include the cylinders and possibly some of the major appliances. Good luck!

arnie_johnson@vfc.com

I believe that J. David Conrad has written a set of instructions about displaying a Park steam locomotive.

Perhaps someone here can suggest a link to a copy?
I am sure paper copies are available someplace. Lot of good advise for what to do once you get the asbestos out.

On the same subject, the steam tug HERCULES is now asbestos free and has just had a pleliminary hydro-test by the American Bureau of Shipping to certify recent steam line repairs.

Ted Miles


ted_miles@nps.gov