PRR 4-4-2 460 Update

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:09 pm

Cribbed from a Facebook post/update from the RR Museum of Pa. with emphasis/italics added by me:

Quote:

Museum staff and volunteers recently detached the cylinder end covers from Pennsylvania Railroad E6s Atlantic locomotive No. 460 so that the historic engine’s pistons could be taken off. After the cylinder cover retaining nuts were removed, the cylinder head was loosened with a pry bar and lowered to the floor with a ratchet wire rop...e puller. The pistons were then removed. A close examination of the inner cylinder wall surfaces revealed that the cylinders on both sides are in remarkably good condition. The ultimate goal is to exhibit the Lindbergh Engine, post restoration, with drivers that can actually rotate, showing Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania visitors just how the rods move. With the pistons removed, it will be easier and take less effort to turn the drive wheels. No. 460’s pistons will be thoroughly cleaned and given a coat of rust preventative before being placed in wooden crates for permanent storage. http://rrmuseumpa.org/restoration/no460/index.shtml

Tom Parkins · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:22 pm

I'm sure some will think that since the cylinders are so good, the whole locomotive must be good and should be restored to operation. I hope that the cylinders and pistons were well documented.

The roller idea is a really great idea. It would be terrific with a synchronized sound system. Hopefully there is a good mechanism to interpret valve function, reversers and timing. And explain how all of that was accomplished 75 years ago.

Tom

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

Both sets of drivers on DM&IR Yellowstone #227 at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth revolve during regularly timed demonstrations. I wonder if all of the pistons were also removed from the 2-8-8-4 to make it easier and use less effort to turn those drivers?

Les

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 1:50 pm

Stored is good. I think this is a neat way of utiliziing a locomotive known for its speed as a teaching tool. Good idea.

softwerkslex · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 3:46 pm

"Stored" ? Crated and stacked in the tender would be better, right?

Stationary Steam · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:22 pm

What does it matter where the pistons are stored at? This is a professional museum with a dedicated archives and a professional staff, not Bubba's boxcar out back of the car barn.

Dave · **Posted:** Sat Feb 26, 2011 10:09 am

I'm more interested in how they are going to support the forward ends of the piston rods in the cylinders without the pistons to hold them in the center of the bores.

dave