The first major part of our actual inspection is about to begin, as we are finishing up the mapping of the sections of the boiler. The boiler is mapped out into 1 square foot segments after the surface has been cleaned, and then the boiler wall thickness of each segment is recorded with an ultrasound probe. The outer boiler wall has been mapped out, so soon this process will begin. We are also inspecting our supply of superheater tubes that we have had in storage (since the Brooklyn Roundhouse days!), and which are located in our storage area on the grounds of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. We are cleaning the surface of each tube and inspecting for any flaws or defects that may make the tubes unusable in the boiler of the 700, and we have removed the superheater bolts that hold the superheaters in place.
We are in the process of removing the fire brick from within the firebox. Most of the brick appear to be re-usable, but we still will likely need to replace some bricks. The removal of the fire bricks exposes more of the boiler interior for inspection. We also removed the petticoat pipe, located within the smoke box, and removed the steam dome lid. You can see our progress first hand by visiting the Oregon Rail Heritage Center
There is more good news to report on the fundraising front. The Pacific Railroad Preservation Association (PRPA) has been awarded a Preserving Oregon grant by Oregon State Parks and Recreation! This grant is dedicated to building 18 (out 0f 51) superheater units. This fabricating the various bends, bifurcates and other components of a superheater unit, and then welding and assembling them, making them ready for installation. The grant award is for $20,000 and work for this sub-project begins this month (July!) We greatly appreciate this award, and give thanks to the State of Oregon and their support of the SP&S 700. The 700 qualified for this grant through its status as a National Historic Place. Also required is a match in the form of additional donations and grants, as well as volunteered labor from PRPA crew members and other volunteers from our sister organizations within the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation. Our superheater sponsorship program is doing well raising funds for the overall rebuild effort, and your contributions also help us reach the match goal for this grant!
The superheater assembly effort which is enabled by the new grant, will begin a few weeks from now, once the materials are gathered to make the first units. The bolts that secure the superheater units have been removed, and actual removal of superheaters is about to begin.
We are also raising funds at Oregon's Antique Powerland, in Brooks, OR at their annual Great Oregon Steam Up on August 6 and 7. There are lots of things to see at this annual event, including many varieties of antique machinery consisting of internal and external combustion equipment, as well as electric powered equipment. We are selling merchandise in support of our rebuild, and our concessions are located in front of the Willow Creek Railroad, where you can also ride miniature trains on their large outdoor layout. Come by and see us to help out, and also experience this wonderful museum!
Summer time is a great time to visit Portland, and as a reminder we are open to the public at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center Thursdays through Saturdays, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Admission is free, but hopefully you will drop a dollar or two into the donation box when you visit. You can see the 700 and her stablemates: the SP 4449, the OR&N 197 and the NKP 190 (Alco PA).
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