The clip is also on the Steamtown web page.
http://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm ... A399401FA8
See if this works for you.

Nothing Earth-shattering to report on Baldwin 26, but this coming Thursday, February 19, an FRA hydrostatic test will take place. The boiler is filled with water now.
In other news, the newly machined pistons have been installed and cylinder caps put in place.
In the smokebox, a protective cement has been applied to the bolts and base of the steam distribution pipes so that the cinder cut will not be as damaging to the steel as it was in the past. More parts are being removed on the outer portions of the boiler so that the boiler jacketing and lagging can be applied.
After the jacketing is installed, all of the parts recently removed will go back on, and then she will head to the paint booth.
While installing the valve gear, a few discrepancies are found, such as in the two union links. One is marked to definitely be from Baldwin 26, while one is from the next 0-6-0 built. There is a slight discrepancy in size. This is a small issue to fix (by heating and stretching/shrinking to fit) but yet another part that you find needs attention in the final stages of repair.
Steady as she goes, according to the old saying. The plan is in place, but the time-line keeps shifting due to these minor issues.

What is your experience with this type of cement holding up in the abrasive environment found in a smokebox? I would figure that it would be blasted off the surface you're trying to protect in a short timeframe? No?

Also, what are the chances that the cement would be an attractant for moisture and therefore hold it against the surface intended for protection causing premature corrosion? I realize that in an ideal situation, the ambient moisture content inside of smokebox would be next to nothing, however, small leaks can open up especially during fireup/cooldown etc. which may or may not lend truth to this theory.

Not trying to dispel any good maintenance practices here or undermine the work of others in any way, I'm just genuinely curious about the whole notion.

DC

Here are a few photos from Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Taking an opportunity to go on the overhead crane, I took some pictures of the locomotive shop shooting down. Interesting angles.





On Thursday, February 19, the inspector from the Federal Railway Administration oversaw the hydrostatic test on 26, and she passed with flying colors. Or, to quote Bruce Mowbray, "The FRA hydro witness and interior boiler inspection was performed and everything passed with no exceptions. Next the shop crew will apply the insulation and boiler jacketing before the locomotive heads to the paint shop for its final coat of green paint and remaining silver stripes and lettering. Work on the valve gear continues."
I don't want to get any detail out of order. This moment is a long time coming, but she will run like a watch when she is ready.

Great photos, Tim! Thank you for sharing them.

What's the other engine behind the 26?


-Philip Marshall

Philip, I believe that is B&M 3713 in the background.

Rob

Thanks, Rob. I thought it looked too small to be B&M 3713, but I guess that shop is large enough to make anything seem small.

-Philip Marshall

That is correct. The other steam locomotive is B&M 3713. Just past her is GP9 Nickel Plate 514 getting a near-total rebuild.

Other locomotive projects ongoing in the shop are 0-4-0T number 2 from Bullard Machine Co. She is getting stabilized, cleaned, painted and cab repairs. Rahway Valley RR 2-8-0 number 15 has received new wood paneling in her cab. She will also get stabilization and paint work done.
The ARHS is rebuilding their L&N FA2 in Steamtown's sandblast booth. Body work is the primary goal for now. Operation is still off in the future. Their F3 A and B units sit outside the shop. In the spring they will be prepared for operation this year.

A lot of work going on. A lot of work to do.

That is correct. The other steam locomotive is B&M 3713. Just past her is GP9 Nickel Plate 514 getting a near-total rebuild.

Other locomotive projects ongoing in the shop are 0-4-0T number 2 from Bullard Machine Co. She is getting stabilized, cleaned, painted and cab repairs. Rahway Valley RR 2-8-0 number 15 has received new wood paneling in her cab. She will also get stabilization and paint work done.
The ARHS is rebuilding their L&N FA2 in Steamtown's sandblast booth. Body work is the primary goal for now. Operation is still off in the future. Their F3 A and B units sit outside the shop. In the spring they will be prepared for operation this year.

A lot of work going on. A lot of work to do.

Tim
So how did the hydro test go?
Thanx
Al

The hydro and interior boiler inspection went very well. The FRA inspectors took no exception to the work.

Mike Tillger

Thank you Mike
Al

Only the Federal gummit could get away with this. 20 years ( and don't ask how much money as the answer will most likely make you ill) to rehab an 0-6-0 in a fully steam equipped shop!!

If you didn't know it was true.....you wouldn't believe it.

Oh well, its not the worst waste of tax payer dollars....but its in the running.

IMHO-Ross Rowland

Yes Ross, it took too long and too much money, but what doesn't when the government gets involved. Stop by and say hello when you are in the area, you might be interested in some changes coming with the new superintendent.

Mike Tillger

Thanks Mike, will do. RR