One of the big tasks related to the boiler inspection is the removal of all superheater assemblies in the locomotive. This effort took place over a period of several workdays on different weeks, to avoid interference with the operation of the Oregon Rail Heritage Center on its operating days (Thursdays through Sundays). It is a very dirty job that creates a lot of pesky soot and dirt that drifts throughout the building, and so we must mitigate the mess by covering and protecting furniture and exhibits throughout the building. This preparation and the subsequent necessary cleaning add to the duration of the removal operations. Unlike dedicated steam roundhouses that were generally a dirty environment (such as the old Brooklyn Roundhouse that we previously occupied 4 years ago), this is a working museum and so extra effort to keep the facility safe and clean is very necessary. By the end of September, we were able to completely remove all superheater units, and store them outside on the grounds of the museum facility. You can see from the photograph that this takes a coordinated effort with the assist of a small crane, and about 5 people, to pull the units from out of the smokebox. The 700 is sitting at the front of the facility, which provides some room for maneuvering the units and equipment for removal.
We also completed the removal the fire brick from the firebox. The usable bricks have been stored, and we will have to replace the unusable ones by purchasing new from a local supplier. The mapping of the boiler continues as a slow but deliberate process and should be completed soon. Some flue tubes will have to also be removed to allow someone to shimmy inside the boiler to make ultrasound measurements from within. As always, you can see our progress first hand by visiting the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.
We are also beginning the task of building new replacement superheaters. This effort has been given the financial support by Oregon State Parks and Recreation through its award to the Pacific Railroad Preservation Association (PRPA) a Preserving Oregon grant. This particular grant is helping to fund the building of a significant number of replacement superheater units. Our superheater sponsorship program is still continuing and readers can do their part in raising funds for the overall rebuild effort, and your contributions also help us reach the match goal for this grant! Please visit www.sps700.org and sponsor a superheater.
As we are approaching the middle of Autumn it will soon be time for the largest yearly fundraiser for the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation: Holiday Express. This is another great time to visit Portland, as the SP 4449 will be pulling passengers in all trains, operated 2 weekend days for 4 weekends, beginning Thanksgiving weekend. Please visit www.orhf.org for schedules and tickets. And stop by our facility after your ride and observe the work and progress on the 700!
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