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Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan 20 t
https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=47962		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Colfaxrrmuseum [ Fri Mar 08, 2024 11:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan 20 t
The Colfax Railroad Museum needs information on the power unit used in the 1941 CofE
20 ton Vulcan Gas Mechanical locomotives purchased by the Corp. It was built to C of E Spec 1343, according to a plate on the loco. Ours was built in July 1941 and shows a number as #4312 (Construction#?) on the same plate. The motor was removed prior to donation to the Museum, but a cursory inspection shows the loco as suitable for possible operational restoration.

Rumors we've heard say that while the plate shows gas mechanical, the mechanic that removed the motor before it was donated stated that it was some version of a Detroit diesel.
We would like to restore to original specs, but suggestions of an alternate would also be appreciated, so long as it is identified as an alternate.

We are awaiting word on two matching grants that will restore this loco, erect a pavilion over ALL of our rolling stock, cosmetically restore out Porter 2-6-2T, and finish exterior restoration of all the rolling stock on hand.

Herb Sakalaucks
Treasurer
Colfax Railroad Museum
Author:  PMC [ Sat Mar 09, 2024 1:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan
According to this roster, https://utahrails.net/industries/industries-locos.php Quartermaster Corps 2082, a 20T Vulcan built in 1942 (months after your unit), had a a six-cylinder, Gasoline-Mechanical, 175 horsepower LeRoi engine when built. There was a roster of "critter" type units like yours self-published several years back that several members here have, when they see this post hopefully they can give you details on your unit.

Edit: there may be photos of your unit in the Hagley Library: https://findingaids.hagley.org/reposito ... ects/24713
Edit #2: here is what one of these units looks like, John Schumann photo: C/N 4354 http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=3507717

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Author:  John T [ Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan
Vulcan #4312 12/1940 B Std 169 HP 20T G/M LeRoi
U S Army Quartermaster Corps #2040, Tucson, Ariz
U S Army Quartermaster Corps #2040, Camp Forrest, Tenn
U S Army #7672
Harnischfeger Corp., Cudahy, Wisc
Harnischfeger Corp., Escanaba, Wisc
Author:  PMC [ Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan
John T wrote:
Vulcan #4312 12/1940 B Std 169 HP 20T G/M LeRoi
U S Army Quartermaster Corps #2040, Tucson, Ariz
U S Army Quartermaster Corps #2040, Camp Forrest, Tenn
U S Army #7672
Harnischfeger Corp., Cudahy, Wisc
Harnischfeger Corp., Escanaba, Wisc

Could be this (does it say "Chipmunk Express" on the cab?): https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... 3759846910

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Author:  NS 3322 [ Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan
John T wrote:
Harnischfeger Corp., Escanaba, Wisc


You mean Escanaba, Michigan?
Author:  John T [ Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan
The list I have says Escanaba, WIS. Could be a typo. Where did Colfax get it from?
Author:  Colfaxrrmuseum [ Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan
The photo is of our loco.
We got it from Vic's Crane in Rosemount, MN.

If anyone has a photo or drawing of the innnards of one of these locos we would REALLY appreciate it.

Also, if anyone has a Le Roi 169 hp motor, we would be interested since it looks like that's what this had originally.
Author:  jayrod [ Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan
Not the LeRoi expert but those are pretty rare and parts aren't available. Also know that they're notorious gas hogs.

You have to ask yourself if you're making a static restored piece with a LeRoi, or are you wanting to make something that can be put to work and be serviced easily.
Author:  PMC [ Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan
Not sure if this is the correct engine for your unit, they were also used in Plymouths:

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Author:  PMC [ Tue Mar 12, 2024 4:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Info needed for restoration of Corp of Engineers Vulcan
If you search this thread you will see that this person had an appropriate, though non-operative, engine to donate, if he still has it: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26552
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