Hand crafting a new syphon neck for B&M 3713 at Steamtown. Gary Bensman's Diversified Rail Services crew is making and installing the firebox components.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFu0AqcmzeI
Check it out in full screen HD

Mike Tillger

My first reaction while watching the video was in picking up that orange sledge. " Man that thing is hot, what is he picking up?????" Neat video. Thanks for sharing.

Tom

Mike,
When forming a sheet like this, I would imagine that stresses develop along the radius, and corner of the piece. Would that be dealt with by heat treating afterward?
Thanks,
Steve Piwowarski

Tom,
It is a composite dead blow hammer, the outside is some sort of impact resistant "plastic", while the center is filled with steel shot.

Steve,
The component parts will most likely go through a heat treat process for stress relief, I will check with Gary.

Mike Tillger

Regular updates on the big Pacific are long overdue, in my opinion. Thanks for posting and please, keep these coming. It is my belief, as with Santa Fe 2926, posted elsewhere, that regular information garners attention, and attention garners support.

How many thermic siphons are required in 3713? Are there just two, or are there more? Also, do more have to be crafted, or is this the only one? Sorry for all the questions! The video was great, by the way.

It looked like "our own" Mr. Sobczynski wielding the hammer.

Awesome! Thanks, Mike!!

Stephen

Max,
There a 3 syphons total, all are being replaced as well as the entire firebox and the outer wrapper sheet. The backhead is being reused.

Gary,
Yes, that is Jason wielding the hammer.

Official website for the 3713
http://www.project3713.com/

Mike Tillger