Thank you Kelly. That repair is what I am more used to seeing on logging type locomotives. But again it probably worked! This to me is the irony of what we want to do or have to do to have acceptable repairs by todays standards. This ugly repair probably did the trick well enough to keep the "logs rolling", ugly, scary looking, but it worked! Red Green worked on steam locomotives before becoming a comedian. "This is just temporary.......unless it works".

I am not afraid of cast steel and though there is a world of different grades, most of it is pretty forgiving. I think some are confusing cast iron with cast steel. Pre heat definitely, would recommend trying somehow to get the area to cool slowly as possible. Not sure how your going to get your asbestos blanket wrapped around a frame member, but of course we all could come up with something to slow the cooling down. I too think looking into replacing the frame rail might be an option or section out a critically bad area that might be prone to more breakage. Just thoughts, subject to better thoughts and ideas. I think I would go over that frame carefully and xray the welds and any cracks if you find suspicious areas, and go from there. Like going into a boiler, one step at a time until you got a pretty good idea of what you have to work with.

Think Dave is correct in looking into the "Whole" project as in some sort of "feasibility study". After looking at the boiler, frame, running gear and make sure it is a worth while project. I question spending millions of dollars for a locomotive that is going to get minimal use. With many variables of cost {in-house or farming it out} it would make good sense to at least start with "is this going to be to much work and money or not? Are there other options and if so what is the best one to go with"? Some of us take on projects and try to roll with the unexpected punches, where it is better to do your homework first. Not saying this is what is happening here with this locomotive or the good folks involved haven't done this, but in general. Other peoples repairs/choices can be a learning tool for all of us down the road. Another reason why I love this type of thread. Ideas shared and learning possibilities.

I used to be in favor of "capping" a weld that was chamfered with the long weave type of weld like above. When building up a wear area this is what I do. The finished weld looks a little nicer, and can fill in any undercut. But again you don't know the integrity of the repair, hence the testing or xray. Smaller stringer welds {vertical up} I think would be stronger with less chances to crack. Probably what the welder did? Regards, John.