Restoration of X-SP2479 continues to move slowly forward. Recently a significant grant was provided that enabled purchase of bronze for new rod bushings. Quartering of pins and machining of the main pin rod bores are the reasons for bushing replacement. Machining of these bushings is on going.

We are in the process of evaluating the locomotive's piston rings. Other than for broken or obviously damaged segments, at what point should a segment be removed from service? Can a single broken segment be replaced or should the entire ring be replaced.

When the pistons were removed from the cylinder, segments were found to be alternating bronze and cast iron in the same ring circle of a three ring design.

Thank you in advance - John Ezovski

How are your bores? Provided the bores aren't worn too far out of round, and the pistons themselves fit tightly, replacing the broken parts should work well. If the bores are worn so they are egg shaped by more than maybe 1/16" or the pistons are about that much smaller than the bores, you probably need to do some heavy refitting.

Get in there with some inside mikes and check ot out. Best wishes.

dave