Engine 557 Restoration Company Progress Report Sept 9, 2012
by Patrick Durand
President 557 Restoration Company

To the many friends of Engine 557 - Here is the September 9, 2012 progress report by Patrick Durand  

During the September 6, 2012 work party, the crew concentrated on removing the heavy appliances that had been disconnected by the Mechanical Department Crew in earlier sessions.   The Knuckle Boom truck loaned by Marvin Kuentzel at Renewable Energy Systems at the request of Jeff DeBroeck, here operating the machine, just fit into the building next to the locomotive and had the capacity and reach needed for the job. Here the empty sand dome is being moved to the truck bed.

Next to follow was the compound air compressor from the front pilot deck.   This is the heaviest of the appliances and the boom truck assured a safe move. The appliances are being set aside in secure storage.   When the shop is cold this winter they will be moved into our tool room to be overhauled one at a time.

Ken Elmore looks on from the background.

Larry Erickson, Joe Coe and Ken Elmore spent the better part of the morning removing all the bolts that hold the smoke box front on 557.  With some persuasion the assembly was lifted free with the crane and set aside.

Here you can see the blast pipe, blower ring and the petticoat that will need to be removed to access the super heater header and flues that will need to be removed in due course.  Joe Coe just set up the light for the photo.

The last big item to come off was the power reverse on the Engineers side. Monday, September 10th, a work crew will concentrate on the few remaining items to be removed such as the boiler check valves, one starter valve, steps, safety valves and the turret plumbing.  Then the running boards will be taken down to leave the jacket exposed for the abatement team from Central Environmental Services.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept 14-16 the crew will be joined by Art Chase from Fairbanks who will continue cleaning areas of the boiler that require ultrasound testing. All penetrations of the cab will be removed, the cab unbolted and hopefully removed by Sunday evening.  In one month the all volunteer, Engine 557 Restoration Company, Mechanical Department has done a remarkable job of preparing the locomotive for the next step of abatement.

If you have not yet made a cash gift to Engine 557 Restoration Company, now is the time to do so and take advantage of the Rasmuson Foundation Matching Grant. Go to alaskarails.org for directions on how to make your donation by check or on line.

Thank you for your continuing support. Patrick J. Durand,  President, Engine 557 Restoration Company.