Gentlemen,
We are currently obtaining quotes for the complete removal of all asbestos on 6069. I have a question that keeps coming up. Is the original outer cladding metal on the boiler to be removed and disposed of or kept and used as patterns? From what I saw today, most of the belly metal on the boiler is shot and patched repeatedly. However some of the top skin looks to be in not to bad a condition..
Thoughts and comments greatfully recieved.

I find it a prudent idea to retain as much of the extant jacketing as possible to use for patterns. Even with patchwork, the basic outline of the old can be used to fabricate the new.

--Jim

Keep the old. When your new parts are ready drill your mounting holes on only one side. Take lipstick or such and cover the mounting bolts of the other side. Mount the one side and pull around to the other. Press against jacketing to make a mark on the inside. That is where to drill the new mounting holes. If you used the old to mark all the holes on the new you would not be directly on the spot where you needed the hole. Learned the hard way nothing is exactly where it should be.

Keep the old ones as patterns. If any of them have already deteriorated too much to be of any use, custom fit a new one made out of cardboard first, then use that as a pattern for the new sheet metal.

You can pop rivet on patches to retain the size and shape of the original jacket, which should be kept for patterns. Look for paintable galvanized metal for your replacement jacket.

dave

As everyone else has said, keep the old ones. Make sure your remediation outfit knows not to tear them up while getting to the asbestos. It helps if you can go ahead of the crew and loosen things up to make it easier for them. Be careful, you don't want things too loose or you will have an asbestos mess. It sounds as if the city has done a patch job. If so, be sure to identify what belongs and what was done by the city. Have fun and feel free to contact me off line about this one. We are in the middle of this phase right now...

Asbestos abatement requires "moon suits", which are hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. So the work is done as fast as possible by workers who wish they had a less unpleasant job. You do not want these folks removing piping, appliances (air compressor governor, etc) and other components (running boards, etc) exposed above the boiler jacket. They tend to torch off everything possible to get the job done fast, no matter what the long-term consequences. Certainly they're not focussed on documenting what goes where, or if it could be reused or reattached easily after the asbestos is removed.

Soluition: Label and remove everything possible yourself, before the asbestos removal contractor starts:
Rusted pipe joints usually need a good soaking with penetrating oil, followed by big oxy-acetylene rosebud torch to heat the joint hot enough to break the rust, followed by large wrenches.
Torch off bolts where you have access to nut and bolt head; these are easy to replace later.
Don't cut into anything screwed or welded into the boiler if at all possible.

Photograph absolutely everything twice before removing anything!

The best labels are stamped heavyweight sheet metal, attached to the component with heavy rust-resistant wire. Welding-supply stores sell ball-writer quick-drying laquer "pens" that are much more durable than felt-tip pen ink. Spray paint and felt-tip pen ink fades into oblivion within a few years of outdoor storage.

Good luck! - Doug Debs

Thanks for eveyones help on this. I thought maybe some of the original jacketing could be saved but it sounds like the general consensus is that it must be replaced. I know the belly jacketing is totally shot in most places with being patched over and over.

Replacing half the jacket just means the other half will need replacement soon. Do it all with good materials and it will last a very long time. This isn't a good thing to economise on, nor is a cheap paint - get the best and most durable paint you can afford as well.

There's an article on the cosmetic restoration of a Gainesville Midland decapod in the archives that might be of use to you.

dave

Thanks Dave.
I had a read through and he did a good job and it shows what can be done with community support

Look up the "Oyster Bay Rail Road Museum", formerly the "Friends of Locomotive 35". They have a guide to care and maintainence of static display steam locomotives. It makes for excellent reading and a good document to offer the powers that be in your preservation attempts. Keep the old jacketing for patterns and label where it belongs on a schematic or photo of the loco. You have received some excellent advice from the other contributors above, so take heed. This may turn out to be something really wonderful, but start with the money in hand to complete whatever you start. There are no half measures once you begin locomotive disassembly.

Hello Richard.
I had a look through their site but I cannot find the guide? Am I missing something?

Try this link. This is a remarkable document and everyone working with static preserved steam should be advised of it.

http://members.aol.com/belpaire/steamcm.htm

Thanks Richard. I have that one bookmarked!