They built a rod puller, basically a three armed pulling device that put even pressure on the side rod in very small increments. It smoothly worked the rod off the bearing, in a very controlled way. Pictures of the puller are in the first group of photos. 1-8-11/PC261802 Regards, Kevin
Thanks, Kevin. Man, thousands of parts, and every one needs attention for a rebuild. Tell us more about that check valve. Function? :tb-biggrin:
Forgot to mention- I really like the aspect photo #P1091806 demonstrates. Gives an idea just how large the engine is, via the view down. Boxcab E50
The check valve keeps the steam in the boiler. If the check valve leaks, it destroys the vacuum in the injector. (venturi effect) If the injector does not work, you cannot put water into the boiler. Also, with no check valve, the boiler would have an "opening" and never be able to build pressure...
Back into the tender, when you tried to inject. Which might also depend upon the type of injector and if they are worn.... A sticky check valve or balky injector and you may get an interesting gurgling sound in the tender water tank. Which I have heard. Or seen someone bang on a check valve or the injector, of a certain type. Cannot think of the technical name for it right now. Boxcab E50
Thanks, guys. I understand check valve function, I had just never seen one mounted where 2926's is. Never paid much attention to the pipes and most injectors had check valves located down lower in the boiler. I noticed the notations "engr" and "frmn", so is this a dual check valve assembly? which would indicate two injectors? I was sure the 2900s had a feedwater heater and an injector. I was surprised to find that Milwaukee 261 had two injectors when visiting the cab. :tb-confused:
Considering that is my handwriting... That was simply a note to make sure that it went back on properly. There is an injector on the engineer's side. The feedwater system is on the fireman's side. The injector is a Chicago T-100 good for 12,000 gph. The feedwater system is a Worthington 6SA. It is also good for around 12,000 gph. The reason for the single inlet is simple. This allows for better water circulation. ATSF was worried about "shocking" the fireboxes on these large engines (all engines, but especially those with larger side sheets). The 5011 and 2900 class were notorious for leaking side and tube sheets. In an effort to combat this issue, there is a diffuser that is part of the seal on the check valves. Inside the boiler, there is a trough that catches this water. This keeps much cooler water from hitting the boiler. It is a function of conservation of fuel as much as it is an issue of the longevity of the boiler and its components...
Thanks for the explanation, Clem. So the injector input is on one side and the feedwater heater input is on the other, but they share the same check valve, right? I'm just trying to understand this stuff. :tb-biggrin:
I made the safety refresher Sat. One of the best things about the organization is the extremely professional attitude about safety. PPE and MSDS and inspectors, Oh my! (Grin) Regards, Kevin
Thanks for more updates, Kevin. Those rollers look great. Is that the way they looked when first opened up? What is the feeling among the group about the goal of operating in 2012? :tb-biggrin:
The rollers are as they came out of the bearings. As to our finish date, that is still very much dependent on donations. It seems every thing costs more and takes longer, but the club is working as fast as we can, while staying true to the highest standards of workmanship. Grin, the tender came together really fast, once all the preparation work was done, hopefully the locomotive will be the same. Regards, Kevin
Only one set today, but it shows an vital part of restoration work, rescue planning for confined spaces.... 2-19-11 Regards, Kevin
And more. I am surprised at the condition of those roller bearings, and good on you guys for coming up with a tool to pull them. Never realized that those (I assume) structural rods in the upper part of the boiler forward were there. Keep 'em coming, Kevin. :tb-biggrin:
