Can anyone give me an update on how the Williams Grove steamer is doing?Last I heard it was down because of boiler repair/inspection.

steamtrain90@aol.com

The last I heard they were still in the tear down phase to determine exactly how much work is needed. The state inspector took the boiler out of service due to thin spots in the crown sheet mostly near the fusable plug. The inspector seems to want the whole crown sheet replaced and it may need to be. They are also checking the rest of the firebox and boiler for needed repairs.

The group is debating removing the boiler from the frame and sending it to a shop for repair. This could reduce the cost of repairs if the work can be done as fill in work. If this occurs they may also undertake major running gear repairs while the frame can be easily lifted off the wheels. Of course all of this takes money and they are raising funds to cover costs.

Do not expect the engine to run this year. They are a small group and next year would be a best case scenario. All of this is a couple of months old now so some or all may have changed.

jhbohon@yahoo.com