But Alan got off to an early start, still cussing whoever did the stationary boiler modifications..but most of that is now behind us, studs that had been removed from the foundation ring have now been replaced, preparatory to re-installing the ash pan. And other fire box fittings are being placed on the replacement boiler, but no thought of steaming yesterday as it was a total fire ban day.
Peter got up close and personal [and early] with some piping under the cab which carries steam to the stoker motor. Surprisingly, one line still contained water.
Ted Coulter drove the new air driven needlegun to paint that I applied way back in 1973/4[,there is a product endorsement sponsorship opportunity here]; Howard Moffat applied a coat of red [same product] to the front engine buffer beam casting and Vince and new worker Mike Ridley[welcome Mike] ground and scraped, and painted wheels and boiler cradle till the weather was just too hot. David Carroll grabbed what he thought might be the coolest task, operating the Steam cleaner, but his reward was to become very dirty. Just hope the can clean up before Valentine's day.
Next workday..Third Sunday, which is 21 February.
For those that have been following the project and the photos of the work taken by Howard, take a look at the photos taken today... In just two weeks the worksite has transformed, so much so that some may think they are no longer looking at a Garratt.
And a note from Alan
Critical path work
Many jobs are being carryout in parallel as labour permits; however the highest priority work is classified as critical path. The term critical path in the sequence or order of work ensures that the overall project is completed in the most cost effective manner at the earliest completion date. With this type of project work specific tasks are carried out in parallel rather than sequentially. Thanks to the efforts of many people off site work is being completed and will be available for assembly as the project progress. To give and example the cab, power reverser, stoker engine are all offsite being overhauled as part of the boiler and cradle works.
Onwards and forward
With all of the above in parallel tasks progressing the replacement boiler and the cradle will be the focus. Within the next few months these two major components will be joined together in preparation for the final steam test. However funds are tight and before we can complete this major mile stone we will need to raise about $5,000, so could I ask you all to dig deep and ensure that we can steam 6029 sooner rather than later. For tax deductible donations go to the link at the top of this blog page.
So if we can raise the funds we can complete the following.
Smoke box & boiler
1. Install the replacement floor.
2. Repair and fit super heater /smoke box cover.
3. Remove smoke box door plate
4. Repair and install super heater header and fittings.
5. Fit all ash pan / foundation ring mounting studs.
6. Fit all cleading sheets and insulation to blackhead.
Boiler cradle
1. Strip clean and repair frame as required
2. Make and fit additional cradle support stands
3. Level main cradle
So as you can see from the above if we can keep the attendance up at the work day we will have a progressive and exciting year ahead.
Alan Gardner
