Western Coal & Coke No. 1 at North Freedom in better days, 1973.

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/steamtown/wccc-s1ags.jpg
ryarger@rypn.org

> Western Coal & Coke No. 1 at North
> Freedom in better days, 1973.
The "Montreal" is finally getting some serious work done. The first of 3 boiler course sectioning is done and x-rayed. The second course section is ready to be removed, a couple of vendors approached to do the rolling and forming on this patch. The rear flue sheet is made up already, the front tube sheet is being made, but not on the property yet as of last weekend. Overall the boiler is really in pretty good shape, but serious pitting on the bottom of the boiler requires sectioning. Some build up on a few wasted area's as well. The frame needed a lot of welding and grinding to restore wear and tear to the journal openings. Drivers are out and not to bad, but hope we put new tires on them. Two new driver boxes are being made for her by member in MN. It is starting to show some progress finally. All the usual restoration/rebuilding needs doing, top to bottom. This old girl was worn out when it arrived in 1966. It is a testimony, to how something so worn out kept running so well. Work will continue till the money runs out, which may not be that far away. As everywhere things are tight. Regards, John.

springfield@tds.net