EBT Shops Engine in Operation

[daveklepper]

Thanks!

[TomDiehl]

daveklepper

Are there plans to eventually, after higher priority matters are completed, to restore one or both of the boilers and have the engine actually run the machine shop?

The boilers may be a lost cause, the only way they'll be put back into use is a complete rebuilding. They're a pair of Babcock and Wilcox water tube boilers, the main construction is brick, which, probably since they haven't had a fire in them since the 1950's, has badly deteriorated. Currently, there's a structure on top of the boilers holding the Boiler House Roof up.

The shaft and belt system is another story. Since the buildings have settled so badly over the years, the shafts are nowhere near straight. We tried to turn the main shaft by hand and it won't budge. A quick sighting along the shaft shows why, there's a pronounced dip in the shaft. I'd imagine the rest are in no better shape.

Currently, a couple of the machines have been brought back into operation with individual electric motors. A large drill press, which has already been drilling parts for the Boilerhouse Rats to use in the restoration work, the 66" Locomotive Wheel Lathe, just for demonstration purposes at this time, and, almost completed, a 22" Lodge and Shipley Engine Lathe, which will be used to fabricate parts for the restoration of Combine #14.

[daveklepper]

Are there plans to eventually, after higher priority matters are completed, to restore one or both of the boilers and have the engine actually run the machine shop?

[LIRR Agent Retired]

Fantastic.  Good work guys.

[ebtrr]

 For your enjoyment, here are two videos and an image of the EBT's recently reactivated Shops Steam Engine. The engine will be operated for the public for the first time this Friday October 9 at 11:00 AM.

EBT - 1870's Shops Steam Engine - First run in over 50 years - Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKgGomZKeaw

EBT - 1870's Shops Steam Engine - First run in over 50 years - Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keRLDhRdV-E

EBT Fall Spectacular, October 9-11
http://www.ebtrr.com/news/fallspec09.html