Posted on by Randy Babcock

Southern Pacific #18 Restoration – June 2014

Marty and Randy getting the rings in the bore.
Marty and Randy getting the rings in the bore.

The last weekend in June was a bit of a different weekend, mostly due to the small memorial celebration held for Larry Peckham, a long time member who passed away in May. Although we took time for the memorial, Larry would have been proud of the amount of work we still managed to accomplish.

The biggest accomplishment on the weekend was the completion of the right side valve and piston. After

New head in place
New head in place

months of work, mostly by Marty and Scott, we finished up the work with the installation of the piston and new rings, the brand new cylinder head, and installation of the remaining valve motion.

With things all tightened up we went ahead and installed the cylinder and valve covers as well, not only to get them off the floor, but to help us feel like we’re getting somewhere with this project.

The only things left to complete on the valve motion (other than valve timing) are a couple odds and ends with cotter pins and grease fittings. We also have to remove one shim on the right crosshead shoe, it turned out to be a little tighter than we would like. All things considered its nice to have one more large part of the restoration done.

The steam chests are all buttoned up.
The steam chests are all buttoned up.

While the valve work was progressing, we also installed the linkage for both blow down valves. Also accomplished was the installation of the new #3 spring. We would have had all the spring rigging complete but our coil springs did not ship in time for the weekend. We also would have begun rolling flues, but just like the springs, our flue roller did not arrive either.

The right side crosshead and valve motion are just about done.
The right side crosshead and valve motion are just about done.
Scott installing the new piston packing.
Scott installing the new piston packing.
Mike cuts the slot for the blowdown linkage in the new running board while Jeff looks on.
Mike cuts the slot for the blowdown linkage in the new running board while Jeff looks on.

While the work was going on over in the shade of the tent, Dave, Rick and Ted were over in the 101 degree sun moving junk in the museum yard for pick up. Slowly but surely phase 1 of the museum track plan is starting to be implemented.

Finally, pick up a copy of the first volume of Ed Fleming’s new DVD about the SPNG and the #18 restoration. Ed has done a great job with it and it’s available in our store along with many other great items like the beautiful Jan Rons painting. As always, all of your purchases directly support the restoration and building projects.

Thanks again to everyone that helps and supports us, we’ll see you next time.

The lubricator in place to so we can measure lengths for lubricator lines.
The lubricator in place so we can measure lengths for lubricator lines.