WW&F No. 11 - Official Work Thread

[Wayne Laepple]

Someone more qualified that I will have to answer that question.

[Gordon Cook]

The bolts aren't tapered.
This method of attachment is used for assemblies that will undergo repetitive stresses that could loosen a bolted joint.
The parts are clamped together in their final location, then the bolt holes are reamed be be the same diameter and in perfect alignment, and the non-threaded portion of the bolt is turned to be a light interference fit in the hole. The bolt is then driven in and retained by a nut.
This ensures that there cannot be relative movement between the assembled parts and the integrity of the joint is not dependent on the friction between the parts and the tightness of the bolt.

[William Simonton]

I was not aware of that method.  It was common practice to use tapered bolts to connect locomotive frame members in the first half of the 20th Century.  The only difference from your planned method is the use of tapered bolts (after reaming the holes) instead of straight bolts.  As it was explained to me by a  master machinist, as the bolts are tightened they stretch and elongate and the interference is reduced or eliminated.  Tapered bolts reduce or eliminate that issue and that is why they were most often used instead of straight bolts.

One cannot draw them out the wrong way by cutting off the heads though.

[John Scott]

Gordon has explained matters correctly, where fitted bolts are concerned

Tapered dowels are used for the accurate relative location of mating parts which are separated clamped together by bolting. There is a separation of functions. Effectively, a fitted bolt combines the functions of location and securement.

Locomotive frames are subject to great fluctuating stresses and, accordingly, they have a tendency to crack. In general, susceptibility to cracking may be associated with welded construction. My main purpose in raising the subject of frame bolting was to ensure that there would be no danger of frame cracking from welding.

During a locomotive restoration project, now many years ago, I had the experience of partly dismantling bolted bar frames and the efficacy of the fitted bolts impressed me greatly. The bolts were tough to remove but, have no fear, they were eventually carefully replaced as the project proceeded to a successful conclusion.

In general, welding can be very successful for a multitude of applications but a necessity for post-weld heat treatment can reduce the practicability of that approach.

It is good to know that everything is well thought out and under control - as usual at the WW&F.

[Russ Nelson]

No. 11's  frames are all tucked in. Picture from Jason...

Are they greased to prevent rusting?

[Russ Nelson]

More "perks" are still being planned.

Oh, really? I see a $11E2 level of donation, and a $11E0 level. Will there be a $11E1 level donation?
Is there anyone crazy enough to donate $11E3 ?

[Wayne Laepple]

As most folks here know, the WW&F is in a long-term effort to recreate WW&F No. 7, which is to be identified as No. 11. The engineering group has created hundreds of drawings and multiple 2-D and 3-D images to this end. We've had some parts made, such as the frames, other parts are being manufactured right now, and we will soon have some major news concerning other important components of this new locomotive.

We have embarked on an ambitious five-year schedule to complete No. 11, with the starting date when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Despite the pandemic, in 2020 we raised over $24,000 in donations, and we received a $50,000 donation from an anonymous donor. Now we are into the 2021 fund-raising campaign, with a goal of $50,000. We're using FundRazr.com (www.build11.org) again for on-line crowd funding, but we welcome donations made directly to the WW&F mailbox in Alna, or through the gift shop's credit card link, or in-person delivery.

We decided when we started this project to recognize lump sum donations of $1,100 or more with a full-size bronze replica of WW&F No. 7's Baldwin builder's plate. I am pleased to say that 13 members and friends so far have contributed, and we hope that more folks will consider doing so. I picked up the replica plates last week at Cattail Foundry in Gordonville, Pa. and will be sending them out to the recipients over the next few days. Below is a photo of one of the plates.

[Graham Buxton]

If, (like me), you were wondering what the significance of "Burnham, Williams & Co." on the Baldwin builder's plate was, here is an explanation:

http://www.pacificng.com/template.php?page=/ref/locobuilders/blw/index.htm

[Ed Lecuyer]

Build 11 – February Update

It’s been a quiet month since our last report, but things are happening to move the project along. In the first month of the 2021 FundRazr for No. 11, we are just shy of $3,000. So now we need a little more than $47,000 to reach our goal. We aren’t shy — we’re asking for donations! If we are to make this happen, we need donations large and small.

Pictured here are two 3-D renderings of the frame components of No. 11, provided by Dave Roche.




Just the other day, the first 10 replica builder’s plates were packaged up and mailed out to the folks who have contributed $1,100 or more. We still have six more plates on hand, and of course we can always get more made. If you’d like to have one, send us your donation of $1,100 (or more) in one check or online contribution and we’ll get one out to you.




WW&F member Russ Nelson has come up with another premium idea. He is offering a 5-inch diameter plastic resin replica of WW&F No. 7’s builder’s plate produced on his 3-D printer to the next 110 people who contribute $110 to the build 11 Project. Select this "perk" at build11.wwfry.org and Russ will make one for you and send it to you.




In other news, the radial drill press and the new to us Lodge & Shipley lathe are scheduled to be positioned in the shop this week. We have to wait a bit to use either machine until our electrician can come by to wire them in to the shop’s electrical system. The three-phase generator has finally had its new water pump installed, so it’s ready to go.

The engineering team has been reviewing the final quote for the patterns for the cylinder half-saddles, and as long as everything adds up, a purchase order is to be issued in the next few days. We are also ordering steel from two vendors. From one, we will receive various shapes and sections cut to order, while the other vendor will provide stock in standard profiles and lengths for us to cut to fit as needed. This steel purchase provides all the stock material necessary to complete the first three phases of the Build 11 project!

Finally, the main frames for No. 11 have been placed in the cradle to give us more floor space in the container. (shown here.)

[Benjamin Richards]

I think Russ's 11E1 perk is a great idea. The 11E2 level was a pretty high bar. On a per-annum basis the new perk comes out almost the same as the $11/mo subscription (110 vs 132). A nice option for people who'd rather donate a lump sum rather than subscribe.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Build 11 - March Progress Report



The purchase order for the cylinder half-saddle castings, the largest and most expensive parts of No. 11, was forwarded to Dakota Foundry of Webster, South Dakota, on Feb. 24, and the folks at Dakota have already started work. They provided the solidification models for us within a week, and their pattern maker has begun the task of producing the multiple complex patterns and core boxes necessary to manufacture the two identical casting. When completed, in three months or so, they will be shipped to Maine for final machining.



In other news, the large Lodge and Shipley lathe was delivered and positioned in the shop on March 3. The Cincinnati-Bickford radial drill press, which had been moved into the shop in late February has been wire brushed and cleaned, and it has received its first coat of machinery gray paint.



Several other machines were slightly repositioned to increase the available work spaces. The next step is setting up the smaller Monarch lathe.

The container dedicated to storing parts for No. 11 is temporarily housing the 20 new wheels recently received from McKees Rocks Forgings in Pennsylvania. Looks like a third container will soon be needed!



We have received an order we placed for steel stock to be used as needed for No. 11, which is also stored in the container. Another order, from a different vendor, should arrive soon. This order includes a number of pre-cut pieces for specific uses on No. 11. And the water-jet cut steel should be shipped from New York soon as well.

Finally, our 2021 FundRazr, at last count, had brought in over $6,200. Again, we emphasize that we need to keep the funds flowing if we are going to move this project forward. A number of WW&F members and friends have committed to monthly donations or $11 or $22, and that keep the funds moving, but our target of $50,000 this year is a steep climb.

Can you help us?
Donate at build11.wwfry.org



And remember the two premiums we have.
The full-size bronze replica of WW&F No. 7’s builder’s plate for a donation of $1100 or more, and a 5-inch 3-D printed replica of the plate for a donation of $110 or more.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Build 11 – April Update

Positive things continue to happen for No. 11.



The No. 11 engineering team has devoted considerable time in the last month to the lead truck of No. 11, verifying plans and drawings in advance of making the necessary patterns to cast several key components.  The wheels for the lead truck were cast several years ago and are already completed.

Last week, a substantial number of custom-cut steel components were delivered to Sheepscot. All are stored in the container until needed. They join a stash of stock steel parts received last month.

In late June, we expect delivery of a 12 X 24-foot shed, to be placed next to the shop. Inside, racks will be positioned to store the steel stock currently in the container. In addition, several storage bin systems now located at several places in the shop will be consolidated. These will bring nuts and bolts, rivets, pipe fittings and so forth in a central location. We will also move rarely used items out from underfoot and out of various corners of the shop into this space. We’re calling it “the shop annex.” The structure will be placed in an area recently prepared with a gravel base, and is skid mounted so it can be moved elsewhere around Sheepscot as necessary.



During May, the engineering team plans to meet in person at Sheepscot for several days of intensive work, making about 30 components for the rear frame extension for No. 11. This is in preparation for beginning the assembly phase of the rear frame later this year. This work involves heating the parts, and using our flanging machine, making precise bends. If time allows, the team will also form several parts for the new trucks for No. 11.

Our fund-raising for 2021 for No. 11 is nearing the 20% mark, although we still have some distance to go to reach the $50,000 goal. Here’s an idea — if you received a stimulus check, perhaps you could see your way to donate some of that money to No. 11. You’ll certainly stimulate the fund raising if you do!

Keep in mind that if you can donate $110 or more, you are eligible to received a 5-inch diameter 3-D printed version of WW&F No. 7’s Baldwin builder’s plate, and if by chance you can afford $1100 or more in one donation, we will be thrilled to send you a full-size brass replica of No. 7’s Baldwin plate. (We still have a couple of the first run of the brass plates, and we can easily secure more, so step right up.)



Finally, be sure to check https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway on Saturday, April 24, for a special announcement concerning No. 11.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Bernie Perch has completed the patterns for No. 11's Stanchions.

Shown in the photo is all the paperwork and templates used to form the patterns.
Even something simple like stanchions and flag pockets requires quite a bit of time and work.
Bernie reports that he plans to take these patterns to the Cattail Foundry sometime in mid May.

Thanks Bernie!

[Mike Fox]

It has been a while since I have seen some of Bernies work. Top notch as usual.

[Jeff Schumaker]

Very impressive work.

Jeff S.