Think you could classify this as second steam test/fire up of the very near completed Polson/Saginaw #2, 70 ton 2-8-2 logging mike, sister of sorts to the #70 out in WA state.

Talked with the owner this morning for results as I was not present {had to work this weekend arg}. Tested two rebuilt pops one of which is going to be replaced, compound air compressor was tested, all steam and air lines tested. Newly redesigned fire mechanism tested for first time and a host of other small tests completed before final installation of pistons assemblies. Old tender tank was cleaned out and reused. New tender tank is built and ready to install but will be done later, at predetermined time set by owner. FRA test is scheduled for Aug 13th at this time, all things subject to change of course. With some minor readjustments to the burner controls and the one safety valve all sounds good with minor tweaking involved. Overall the firebox/burner modifications sounded like they worked very well and it was a major accomplishment in my book. Will be down there to help the owner later on in the next two weeks as my own schedule allows. More updates from me when I get the chance.

Being I do not have any pictures of my own. I ask MC members to please post some here for the viewers on RYPN. The locomotive is not fully painted yet and the jacketing and tender tank are old paint jobs, but I must say she looks grand put back together and outside where you can stand back and admire. This has been quite a journey for the owner and getting his locomotive back together. Many people doubted it would happen in the past, I did not. This restoration has been a journey as well for the few members who have helped along the way all this time. Not over till the fat lady sings, but we are very close and she is warming up her vocal chords.

Regards, John.





Regards, John.

Glad to hear that, especially since #70 at MRSR isn't running (nor is any steam there) right now. I was shocked to go to Elbe yesterday and see a diesel on the front of a train during the prime running season. Chehalis isn't running right now either...

John, could you please tell us more about the firebox / burner modifications? What did you start with, why did you need to change them, what did you change and how, and what the results turned out to be?

dave

Congrats to Skip and his crew!!!! These are exciting times!!!!

And Lee, steam is alive and well at the Northwest Railway Museum, come by any weekend between now and mid September and say hi!!!!

Best,

Stathi

Dave I know squat about oil firing and less how to set up a burner and adjust it to a workable operation. The oil firing modifications are his doing and only his. I will send you his phone number back channel as he is not "online". He likes talking shop and if you know the subject or have an interest he will share his ups and downs with the burner adjustments more than willingly. I helped him install his newly fabricated drip pan a few years ago which had a lot of adjustments built into it, he used his old burner {rebuilt/repaired numerous times during it's life} but I know he made it adjustable from outside the firebox so you can direct the burner without having to go inside. People think coal is dirty, I think oil soot worse! But honestly you would have to talk to Skip for the details. All I know he was pretty happy with the results from the weekend. Doesn't have quite the control he desires and knows he has to tweak the controls some more, but worked well enough that I don't think he feels the need to go back into the firebox. It is hard on his back as well as an unpleasant place to intentionally crawl into.

Below is a picture from MC members website. I think it was from Ken H. and hope he doesn't mind me sharing it with anybody here. While not earth shattering as not freshly painted and we haven't installed the pistons/rods yet, but this thing was torn apart and scattered far and wide. To see it like this after all these years and all the drama during the last 13 years makes me a happy camper. Of course we have not run it yet and the break in period may be a bummer when we find out what we missed or have to go back into, but we shall overcome. Cheers, John.

Stathi,
I really wish I'd gone North on Sunday instead of South, knowing what I know now. I really hope to get up there before you drop the fires for the season.
Lee

Testing and break-in of the Saginaw Timber No. 2 started on Wednesday and Thursday, May 19 & 20. The locomotive ran about 18 miles, total for the two days and only the "normal" break-in issues were encountered. The pops were checked and found to be properly set from the fire-up last August and all of the appliances are working normally. Further testing is now limited only by qualified crew availability. Form 4 paperwork is being completed and will be submitted in the next few weeks.

Wow, I was just by there about 2 weeks ago & had a long talk with the owner who showed me all that had been done to her. Really nice looking locomotive and that also applies to the LS&I 23 sitting outside cosmetically restored.

Nice friendly group of people here. Wish them all well. The place makes for a great visit.

Not to hijack the thread, but what's going on with steam at MRSR? Hope nothing bad has happened to #2

After all the years of plugging away at the #2 can't describe watching her go by heading up the hill during testing. She was running light but no familiar clanks or scary noises when she rolled on by. Even in reverse she sounded good, like a "tight" and well oiled machine. Her are a few shots during testing the other day. Alive and well. One of Wisconsins best kept secrets. Once she is deemed ready I want to hear her work a little. Guess she has a lot more get up and go than 16 years ago, so I am told.

congrats on doing such fine work MC. That little mike is a beauty. One day I would like to take the kids there now that steam is soon to be back!

Does this mean that Mid-continent and Skip have "kissed and made up"?

This got the last thread locked. Let's not go there.

Quick question; it appears that number 2 has a wooden pilot (cowcatcher) that is unpainted. Is the plan to keep the pilot unpainted, and if so, was this common during steam days when railroads still used them?

Thanks.


Les

The pilot is constructed of oak and is varnished. The locomotive wore this pilot back in 2000 when it went out of service. No plans to construct a replacement. The cab is similarly constructed, painted outside and varnished inside.