We opened the cavenous door today to find lots of overhaul instructions written on the back, amazing find...here are some shots from today.

Nice find. When was 4004 retired from service?

Per Kratville, officially retired in Feb. 1962 at 1,060,402 miles.

Per Stagner, 6 4000's were running on July 6, 1959. 4015 was the last to run on July 21.

Maybe someone has the specifics on 4004.

What do you mean about "...overhaul instructions...", I don't see anything?

Also, what is that big radiator-looking device?

That 'big radiator-looking device" is the center section of a Master Mechanic's
front-end arrangement.

Kimball,

I think the original poster meant that it is effectively brand new from the shop, and as such is an "instruction manual" on how to restore the front end on any big boy.

If taken literally the OP is saying there were overhaul instructions written on the back of the smokebox door, which is not shown clearly in any of the posted pictures.

If the smokebox is in like new condition, it does not need restoration.

Ok so for those who can't understand what I wrote......on the back of the door are notes about tubes that need looking at or have been worked on and dates and signatures of the inspectors i will post a picture next time we heave the door open.
No it doesn't need restoring and it won't be, what it does need is the seal removed and all the muck cleaned out of the bottom of the smokebox.
Why wouldn't you open the shoebox door if you could and have a look at something no one has seen since it left service in 1959.

Mike

Thanks for posting the photos. The presence of crew standing in the open door is an amazing perspective on the size of the smokebox.

Wesley

So, what you're saying is that 4004 went onto display from having been "stored serviceable"?

Thanks for elaborating. I was apparently one of the folks who took you literally when you mentioned the “instructions”. I wasn't missing something after all.

What is most of the crud in the bottom of the smokebox? Is it bird waste, leaves, etc?

Is the smoke stack plugged or covered?

The smoke stack is covered, but may not have been originally, its squirrel nesting material and leaves we will clear it out, they must have ways in there from the firebox i assume.
Yes i assume it was stored serviceable, it also has a major repair to the firebox door lower quarter and the same side of the smokebox will add pictures later.

Mike

reread the original post.....


" find lots of overhaul instructions written on the back"