Despite some tardiness in creating this post, our group of volunteers has not be slow in the work they have been doing to get #18 back up and running. Over the past few months reassembly work has been under way, along with the annual inspection and hydro test performed for the FRA. In addition to the staybolt cap inspection and routine annual work, numerous improvements have been made. New brass water leg nipples and nuts were machined and cast, the blow down valves were fully overhauled, injectors gone through, grease cakes were repacked, some new washout plugs were machined and a number of other items were addressed. Greg Johnson even delivered parts by air mail to Independence!
By the middle of October everything was about back together. A final couple days of reassembly on #18 allowed for it to be steamed up to check things out and do the final annual inspections.
A perfect Sunday in Independence with ideal fall weather was the stage to test out #18. This was the first time #18 had been under steam since spring 2023. A huge shout out to all of our volunteers for getting our locomotive back up and in service. Videos from the weekend can be found on the Carson and Colorado Youtube channel here.
In addition to the work, and testing, of #18, things continued on the boxcar project. Focus was on disassembling the last bit of the roof sills and carlines, installing new nailing boards where needed, filling holes, and removing the remaining siding. With the roof entirely apart we began the process of joining the new upper sills. These beams are now ready and will be the focus of our next work party. Once assembled back on the car, the roof can be reassembled and siding hung.
And lastly, aside from the work on the equipment itself, we have been working with the folks at the museum to begin improving the interpretive experience and better connect the museum itself with the train barn. The first steps in this process included installing two outdoor signs along with an engine house sign that officially designates it the Larry Peckham engine house. Larry was a life long Independence resident and one of our biggest contributors.
Our next goals will be to work with the museum to create a walking path from the museum building to the train barn, and re arrange some of the outdoor exhibits to help better interpret the story of Inyo County. As always we couldn’t do it without your support and as much as ever we ask for your continued support!
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