Jim Connor reports:

“On Friday the 24th, Doug Klitzke, Ron Kokemuller and Jim Connor worked on the template for the rear tube sheet. First a 4 by 8 sheet of plywood was cut in 5 sections. The sections were assembled, rough cut, than disassembled to fit in the boiler. Sections were than reassembled in the boiler and held firm with wires to the firebox sheets so an outline of the outside of the tube sheet could be made.

“On Saturday the 25th Mike Wahl joined us to finish the marking of the tube sheet template. Unassembled template will be shipped to a contractor in Tennessee. The contractor will make a new tube sheet for the boiler.

“The rest of Saturday was spent drilling 2- 1/16” holes in the front tube sheet. Also we continued reaming rivet holes in the boiler courses.

“Al Joyce ‘Stud Guy #1’ installed the first two studs. Another mile stone!”

Jim Connor photos:

Doug Crary photos:

Bob Ristow photos: