Second group

Guide brass

Here's a few more peices to add to the previous pictures and update a little more from Dec:

Several of the superheater tube assemblies are badly warped and will need to be rebuilt along with most of the band clamps. Cleaned assemblies are labeled with metal tags identifying their original position in the flue nest. This is a multi stage process of first cleaning, conditioning the ball ends so the hydro test manifold will seal, and setting aside those assemblies in need of overhaul.

Super heater ball ends are being reconditioned using abrasive pads in an oak mandrel.

Following up on the brake rigging inspection last month each of the break beams was given loving attention with preheat and filler welds to replace worn material on the business side of the beams. They are consolidated on a pallet for storage along with other brake system components. Trial fitting of each brake hanger and shoe revealed some component wear such as the worn springs that have now been repaired.

These before and after results are obvious proof of production. On the left is a new valve stem for the main turret valve crafted from 4140. On the right is an original spring hanger pin that was case hardened steel when new. Its position under the fire pan did not favor it and after 70 years this was the result. The new replacement is 4140 and will be induction hardened before going into service.

Again work continues and although a whole lot of the over all look going on on 557 might look extremely slow, the end results will be amazing and allow assembly of the locomotive to be a process that will transform the Gypsy Rose into a first class restoration.

Thanks to Stewart L. Sterling III for the photos.



Additional info and updates can be seen at:

http://alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/ ... index.html

Thanks all.

For us Christmas came early when the tubes and crown sheet showed up! And some of our workers skills are shown in the pieces fabricated in house.

I know it has been awhile since we have up dated info on 557... But we have been doing a lot of the small things that are hard to gauge and don't really show up well in photos. 557 is moving along and well.

Alaska Railroad Locomotive #557 came home in 2012 and her restoration is “on track.” As good as we are at avoiding expenses and at squeezing every penny until it screams, the most complex rail restoration project done in Alaska is an expensive undertaking.

We are kicking of the "Sponsor a flue or tube program!" 150 new boiler tubes and 50 new flues will be installed as the final step in overhauling the boiler. You could put your name on one or put your name on several and help bring #557 back to life! This is a tax write off for those who can help. Below is the link to the web page discussing the option.

http://alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/ ... index.html

To all who have helped, we say thank you. You have no idea how much you have helped! We have done everything humanly possible to make the most out of every donation, service, in kind donation and gesture toward 557.

We will bring steam back very soon to the last fontier! What started out a few years ago as a vision, will soon... Very soon, no longer be a dream.

We will have new photos and updates very soon.

Art

January's accomplishments have posted in the monthly status report linked from http://www.557.alaskarails.org/restore/index.html.

The old Firebox would make a neat display after all is said and done.

Yes, yes it would make a neat display, were kinda hoping to have a facility to display it in someday.

Jeff

To all our RYPN friends, we felt like we should get an up date to you. Again a lot of little things are going on that don't really make a lot of fancy progress noticeable, but are all just as important. This winter has finally given way to some green spring and work on the loco/tender continue at an amazing pace given what we have.

This spring, the drivers returned to the shop and are looking great. They have all been turned and look eager to be back in place. The firebox pieces are almost ready to be placed in the wrap. Work has begun to get things ready for the placement. This July should have the completely new firebox in place. The tubes/flues are on site and will be one of the final steps in completing the restoration.

Work began in earnest on the tender this winter and the frame, brake rigging and trucks were over hauled and prepped. The tender trucks will have the look and feel of the original, but be roller bears. Only a lifting of the journal box covers will give it away!
The tanks have been getting the attention they need and will be finished this summer and matted back up with the tender frame.

The oiler and the power reverser are completed. They look great with the small attention to detail!

We have all three bells and headlamp ready, along with various other components ready and waiting.

This last month, the railroad has had their open house(s) and have been very supportive of everything. Going on with 557. So we appreciate their feelings on this project to.

And to all the crew who have been working tirelessly on this project, thank you! We are looking forward to steam on the tundra and that midnight sun whistle!

Art

Second photo set.

Tender.

Details.

And the small, but vital stuff.

And last but still well on my mind...back and aching arm's. The old fire box will make a great trophy!

Very impressive once again. Thanks for the update. Very exciting stuff. Go cat go. Regards, John.