Tag Archives: Western Coal & Coke 1

Measuring Frame Bolts and Tapping Boiler Stud Holes

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On Friday, Pete Deets, Bob Ristow, Ron Kokemuller, and Jim Connor cleaned up around the boiler and other area’s in the shop. Pete, Bob and I spent some time on the project plan and timeline to make sure we are keeping everything happening in the order we should be.

On Saturday, Roger Hugg, Bob and I worked on measuring and documenting the frame and frame bolts so drawing can be made for replacements. Al Joyce worked on tapping boiler stud holes and installing them. This is a time consuming process because they are taper fit and each one must be fitted to the hole. Ron worked on enlarging the holes in the boiler mounting bracket that attach to the firebox.

Kyle, Jim Busse, Ed Ripp and Jim worked on the power car boiler. On Sunday they continued to install tubes in the power car.

On Sunday, Al continued on the stud work. Things are moving along well.

–Mike Wahl

Cleaning of Frame Completed

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Bob and Dave continued to clean on the frame today and have it for the most part completed. There are a few spots that might need a little touching up. They also completed assembling the last set of shelves in the box car and started stocking them. Bob said that the box car is looking very nice inside and with the addition of the shelves it gives us a lot of room for storage of WCC#1 parts.

Cleaning WC&C #1's frame.

Cleaning WC&C #1’s frame.

Drilling Mudring Holes and Needle Scaling Cylinder Casting

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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.

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