Southern Pacific #18 – June-July 2023

After getting #18 back to Independence in April we took a little break from things prior to getting into the staybolt cap inspection. When #18 was trucked back we took the opportunity to move it to the south shop track and moved boxcar #1C to the north track along with the tender. This arrangement will make things much easier to work on for both the locomotive and boxcar.

A great group of folks turned out the first weekend in June for work and were able to strip down the cab to a point that will allow the cap inspection to commence.

In addition to the locomotive work, we have also taken delivery of all the siding and roof materials for the boxcar. Having that material puts about ninety percent of what we need to finish the car on hand.

And lastly, our old Model T truck, from the Natural Soda Products in Keeler is once again up and running thanks to the boys from the Orange County Model T club. We have a few things to still finish, like putting the bed back on, but its about done. The plan is to keep its historic patina and use it in the Fourth of July parade. More on that in the next post.

As always, thanks for the support!