Category Archives: Western Coal & Coke #1 Status Updates

Welcome to the Western Coal & Coke #1 steam status blog! Work on the #1, a.k.a. “the Montreal,” is on hiatus while efforts focus on other locomotives. Updates from past years are archived here and on the Locomotive Shop forum of the MCRM members’ webpage.

Drilling Mudring Holes and Needle Scaling Cylinder Casting

Mid-Continent Railway Museum Posted on by

Today, Dave drilled the mudring holes in the rear tube sheet, side sheet patches and the rear corner patch. The 3/4” tack bolts were installed. The next step is to pull the sheets tight and check the sheets for gaps between the sheet and the mudring. If any unacceptable gaps existed, the sheets will need to be flattered into position. Jeff will be next week to start the welding on the rear tube sheet.

Bob worked on needle scaling the frame and cylinder casting. He still has a ways to go to complete this. The next step will be start checking the frames for cracks.

Driving Wheels Getting Primed, Shipped Out

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Today was another busy day at Mid-Continent. The wheel sets were blasted, loaded on a truck and transported to DRM to be primed. Mother Nature was on our side on this one. What a great day with the temperature in the 40s. The crew for blasting was Terry Olson, Bob Ristow, Dave Lee, Roger Hugg and Jim Connor. A big thanks to them for a hard days work. Once the priming is completed the wheels will be shipped to Chattanooga and the wheel work will begin.

There are many things to do, to keep out outside contractors and inside help going, so if you can lend a hand please let us know. There is someone in the shop 6 or more days a week right now.

–Mike Wahl

Jim Connor photos.

New Pilot Completed

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The new pilot has been completed and delivered. The pilot was built by Roger Hugg in his shop at his home in Elroy.

Also, the boiler patches and rear tube sheet are fitted and tacked to the boiler. We now wait for the fit-up inspection.

The front coupler, pilot beam and deck plate have been removed. The new timber for the pilot beam has been purchased and Roger Hugg has delivered it.

The fireman’s side piston and cylinder head have been removed so inspection of the piston, cylinder and rod can begin.

Thanks to Roger Hugg, Jeff Lund, Bob Ristow, Dave Lee, Kelly Bauman and Jim Connor.

Pilot Construction Progress Update

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Progress is slow but sure on the pilot. This week the countersinks were bored (1st photo), the (through) holes for the main hardware were bored (2nd photo), all imperfections were filled with structural epoxy and sanded smooth (3rd photo), all pieces were fitted and the first coat of stain applied (4th & 5th photos). Today the main structure was assembled in its final state (6th photo).

Next the upright members will be manufactured, finished and installed.

Hopefully the next report will be that it is finished!!!

–Roger Hugg