Do the California State boiler records still exist? Does anyone know what ASME #341 refers to? This is on a Willamette boiler built in 1923. The Sturgeon’s Mill Restoration Project, Sebastopol CA is trying to get this boiler operational.

A couple of decades ago, I heard a story that would make me think that they did at that time. Orange Empire was looking for documentation of the former Ward Kimball's ng 2-6-0 and thought he may have once had it listed with the state. The boiler had a number stamped on the backhead and using that number an inquiry was made of the appropriate state agency. The particular file folder was reported to be missing!

I would start with CalOSHA,Pressure Vessel Unit and maybe also ask the California State Archives.

If there is a State number on it, the records probably exist and are probably searchable on the CA PV website.
Search of the word "roaring" spit out permitted objects at Roaring Camp & Big Trees RR.
CA PV Database

Thanks for the tip on the California pressure vessel site. I tried the boiler number and got nothing. Another source told me that the state probably has the records on micro film but has no manpower to dig them out.

Call the Boiler Office directly and ask. Detective work in old files is much more fun than routinely filling out 10,000 air tank reports.

If the boiler was ever issued a Permit to Operate in California it would have been assigned a Permit Number. This number is four or five digits, followed by a hyphen, followed by two more digits. The last two digits are the year the permit was issued. The numbers are 3/4"-1" high and made up of a series of punch marks in the shape of numbers. If the boiler has ASME Code stamping then the permit number might be near it. I've seen permit numbers stamped on back heads, wrapper sheets and steam domes. The number would most likely be located somewhere easy to get to and not covered by insulation or jacketing.

Paul,

I don't know why you assumed I did not have the California State boiler number. This is what is marked on the boiler:

7-7336-26 punched into the shell above the crossover pipe

Inscribed behind the crossover pipe is the following -

HSB 484
No. 326
Willamette
1923
No. 10736
WP 200 lbs.

It is a replcement boiler for Willamette logging engine #156 delivered new to California in 1923.

Apologies, I did not mean to imply anything by my post. I merely wanted to provide a generic description of permit numbers in California so other readers would have the information.

It looks as if you have the ASME number, the Hartford number, and the California number. You know the builder. These are 4 important clues to the beginning of your investigation, and a damn sight more than many of us have to start with. Good hunting.