BUILD LOCOMOTIVE 11 - SEPTEMBER UPDATE!
A Build 11 milestone was achieved during the August 15-17 work session. The locomotive’s front and rear frames were moved to the northern end of bay 2, raised on blocking and screw jacks and readied for joining! After two days of meticulous alignment and leveling, the first four fitted bolts were machined and installed, thereby pinning the joint. Noah, Gordon and Quentin developed an efficient procedure for fabricating the required countersunk fitted bolts. Each hole needs to be match drilled, reamed, reverse spot faced and countersunk. Once reamed, each hole diameter is measured so that the corresponding bolt can be machined to provide an interference fit. We will continue fabricating and installing the remaining (16) bolts during our next work session. When this work has been completed we plan to concentrate on fabricating components for the rear truck assembly.
When Harold was not helping with the frame he was continuing to machine the rear truck swing link hanger castings. Harold has already completed machining on the rear truck journal truck castings.
Our 2023 fundraising is proceeding well. Over $4,600 has been contributed in memory of former Build 11 team member G. Wayne Laepple. We have received a total of $6,000 toward and qualified for our $6,000 matching grant. To date we have received a total of $ 40,014 (80% of the $50,000 goal for 2023.) Only $9,986 left to go! Remember, every dollar counts, and we need your help to keep up the momentum. You can donate directly by check to the museum, use a credit card to donate through the gift shop, PayPal, or you can go to:
https://www.build11.org/
Shims are required between the front and rear frames. These were tack welded in place before final assembly.
Gordon fabricated a gage to center the mag drill; the gage can be used with both the 7/8” drilled holes and the 29/32” reamed holes.
Noah is driving the first fitted bolt. Prior to this, Rick drilled, reamed, reverse spot faced and countersunk the hole. Gordon measured the reamed hole and machined a countersunk bolt to fit.
A view of the first two fitted bolts installed; these serve to pin the frames together.
Harold is machining the rear truck swing link hanger castings.
Harold has completed machining the four rear truck journal castings.
At the end of the work session – the forward and rear frames joined!
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