J&L 58 Steams Again

Rick Rowlands · **Posted:** Sun Dec 02, 2018 8:23 am

Last week we successfully test fired the boiler on the J&L 58. Actually we did a total of three test firings over two days, looking for and addressing leaks as they were found.

Our next step is to have the Ohio boiler inspector come out to give it his blessing, then we start reassembling the locomotive in preparation for operation in 2019.

Trackwork is also ongoing, as well as devising a water handling and storage system and the creation of a suitable rider car.

Lots to do over the winter!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq_RxssRBak

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Sun Dec 02, 2018 10:48 am

As always, Rick, another well done effort in restoration. Great to see the little Porter feeling warmth again.

Dave · **Posted:** Sun Dec 02, 2018 12:01 pm

Great news. Sorry I'm not closer to pitch in and relive my youth, although my family connections were to US Steel Homestead, not J&L. Close enough!

Rick Rowlands · **Posted:** Sun Dec 02, 2018 8:15 pm

Thanks Richard and Dave. Yes she is getting close to being finished and I am feeling like a proud father!

Dave, even Homestead Works had their own 58!

Dave Lewandoski · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 5:58 pm **Posts:** 1083

great news Rick, well done

jayrod · **Posted:** Mon Dec 03, 2018 1:23 am

Can't wait for the video of the shortest and narrowest steamer in Ohio running on the shortest and narrowest railroad in Ohio.

You're certainly making quick progress.

Ed Kapuscinski · **Posted:** Mon Dec 03, 2018 10:37 am

I saw the video on Youtube and was wondering when we'd see the mention here.

Congrats Rick! This is a truly awesome project.

As for a rider car... what, people don't want to sit on ingot buggies?

train guy · **Joined:** Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:20 pm **Posts:** 211

Great to see the progress, waiting to see it move! One question, in the first photo, there appears to be two safety valves just behind the dome, but on the second photo, looks like two globe valves there now instead, tied to a line running off to the right side somewhere....remote safety valve??

mldeets · **Joined:** Thu Aug 05, 2010 2:06 am **Posts:** 411

Rick,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Nothing like the first firing & whistle after extensive work. Great to see.

train guy: You're being fooled by less than perfect contrast and color rendition. There is at least one safety mounted in the original position. The globe valve you see as what appears to be just to the right of the safety is the steam feed to the injector. From that photo I can't tell if there is a 2nd safety hiding in there or not. If you watch Rick's attached youTube it'll be easier to see. mld

train guy · **Joined:** Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:20 pm **Posts:** 211

Ah! I see it now! I figured Rick and his guys knew what they were doing, but just had to check!

Rick Rowlands · **Posted:** Wed Dec 05, 2018 6:34 pm

Yeah that is quite an optical illusion. One of the safety valve ports has a new 180 psi Kunkle in place. I plan to reinstall one of the original Consolidated valves in the other port, set to 175 psi. The Kunkle meets the condition for having a Code valve while the Consolidated is built for repeated use without damage.

QJdriver · **Posted:** Sat Dec 08, 2018 5:50 pm

CONGRATULATIONS, Brother Rowlands !!!!!

Now, as a proud Father, I'll be looking forward to the day you hand out cigars....

Take Care & WOREK SAFE