I saw a photo (which has since been removed) showing Skookum following one of her test runs with a bent rod. I am curious to know if anyone has more information on what happened. I have seen a few explinations of timing issues but not much detailed information yet on what caused the damage. I don't want to say this to make it sound like I am disparaging the restoration program, I personally think Skookum has been one of the most impressive restoration jobs done this year and I am excited to know its back in steam. I just want to know on a mechanical level what is going on, and what methods the crew needs to take to repair the damage. I saw some damaged parts on the NN 93 (a strut of sorts near the firebox that cracked due to heat) which was repaired only a few weeks after the break occured; so I am wondering if the same can be done to fix damaged rods. I am a mechanical engineering student, so I find this kind of troubleshooting genuinely interesting to hear about.
Good point, waiting to hear myself> I'm reading M.N. Forney's Catechism of the Locomotive (Second Edition, 1890) to understand valve timing (cut-off) and excentric rod motion. Having the details of Skookum's valve issue would be appreciated.
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