The next photograph shows the front tube sheer and throat sheet largely completed. The smaller holes are for the boiler tubes, while the three larger holes toward the bottom are for the thermatic syphons. The final image is of one of the syphons as removed from the firebox. Thanks to Tim O'Malley for these photos.
The first photograph shows the rear tube sheet fitted inside the firebox. The thermatic syphons will connect to the holes in the lower portion of that picture. The other two pictures show one of the three syphons (the cone shaped object) set inside the firebox for test fitting.
Phase 1: The left and right side sheets will be cut and fitted for the firebox. Holes will be drilled in the sheets for the staybolts and rivets. Both side sheets will be shaped into the firebox dimensions. Weld gap will be fitted to the door sheet and the rear flue sheet. Next is to fit to the mudring and drill all mudring rivet holes undersized. All of this will be completed by August 26, 2011
Phase 2: Cutting and forming of the firebox thermic siphons. Most of the work will be done in Pennsylvania for the flanging and forming of the metal sheets. Each siphon will be fabricated from 11 separate pieces which will be welded into one whole unit. Afterward, the siphons will receive a post-forming and welding stress relief at 1150 degrees. Holes will be tapped in them for installation of staybolts. When they are drilled in place, they will be seal-welded. Before completion of the firebox work, the three new siphons will be tested for size in the inner firebox. They will be fitted into the crown sheet and throat sheet diaphragms to ensure a proper fit. After this, the entire inner firebox will be removed, piece by piece, and stored until the outer wrapper sheets are installed. All of this to be completed by September 30, 2011.
Phase 3: Final Application of the outer wrapper sheet. DRS will form and fit the two lower side plates, in order to finish the outer wrapper sheets at the mudring (lower) level on both the right and left sides. All staybolt, stud and rivet holes will be laid out and drilled to correct sizes as determined from the drawings. Rivet holes to the backhead and outer throat sheet will be reamed in place and prepared for rivets. Each side will then be riveted in place. The welder will weld the sides of the outer wrapper sheets. The outer wrapper sheets will then be welded to the existing metal of the backhead and boiler. This should be completed by October 28, 2011.
Some work is done off-site. We have contracted with the Strasburg Rail Road to fabricate
FRW sleeves, gaskets, KN nuts, R caps, brace bolts and braces for the backhead and eight
different sizes of rivets. Delivery is expected by August 31, 2011.
- Fabrication of new firebox side sheets and roof sheet.
- Casting of new firebox grates.
- Construction of a new rear tube sheet (see below).
The Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Chapter is currently using contractor Gary Bensman to oversee some of these tasks.
On January 6th, chapter member Norm Barrett was on hand to document work taking place on the newly fabricated rear tube sheet. In addition to the holes that must be cut for the boiler tubes, three large, flanged openings are required to accommodate the "thermatic siphons" inside the firebox. A fascinating series of 12 photographs detailing this process can be seen here. (Pictures are large and may take some time to load)
The chapter is currently tieing up loose ends from their highly successful "Endless Mountain Rails" convention held during the summer of 2010. The chapter will soon determine how best to use the proceeds from that event.
We are also looking into offering additional fundraising events and/or excursions in 2011, so stay tuned!
We are also pleased to report that the 3713 project is the recipient of a recent $10,000 grant from the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, which will be put towards boiler work. To date the project has been the recipient of nearly $300,000 in grants. Donations are still needed to complete this project however!