Messages

1

Volunteers / Re: January 2023 Work Reports

« on: January 30, 2023, 07:29:56 PM »

There will also be a 'Build 11' work session from Tuesday to Thursday, January 31 to February 2.
We will be working on getting ready to assemble the entire front frame which includes the left and right frames, cylinder fixture, and rear frame extension casting. The cylinder fixture substitutes for the cylinder saddle which we won't have for a few more months. We have to prepare the two front frames to fit with the rear frame extension casting, get everything precisely aligned, and start match drilling and reaming holes to permanently bolt the pieces together with custom fitted bolts.
Once the front 'box' is assembled it can be married to the rear frame by the same process of fitting and match drilling and reaming holes for fitted bolts. Alignment of these components is critical to the successful operation of the locomotive.

2

Whimsical Weirdness and Foolery / Re: MegaMillions award to the WW&F

« on: January 17, 2023, 06:01:54 PM »

Hey subs are very important, though here in RI we call them grinders, er grinda's

That's Dynamite! I keep supplies for making Grinders, Wieners, and Coffee Milk in a special Cabinet.

How's THAT for topic drift?

I grew up in southeastern Mass. (Edaville land).  There it was subs, hot dogs and (yes) coffee milk.  We always had a bottle of coffee syrup in the house.  Eclipse, I think, but it might have been Autocrat.

And, BTW, it was soda, not tonic.

I would also add coffee cabinets.  (See https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/09/05/492278535/whats-in-that-coffee-cabinet-a-delicious-taste-of-rhode-island-history#:~:text=Island%20Public%20Radio-,The%20coffee%20cabinet%20is%20a%20Rhode%20Island%20staple.,syrup%2C%20ice%20cream%20and%20milk.&text=Even%20if%20you've%20never,probably%20tasted%20something%20like%20it.
I had a definite preference for Eclipse syrup.  Last fall I went to the Star Diner in Taunton and got a coffee milk. Unfortunately I think they used Autocrat which is weak and sweet. Gotta have that good strong coffee flavor. 

3

Work and Events / Re: WW&F No. 11 - Official Work Thread

« on: January 13, 2023, 09:09:19 AM »

A note to add that Jason finished fitting the binders to the frames so that the frames would be properly supported as we moved them around. You can see them on the top of the frames in the last photo (the frames are upside down).
Binders connect the bottom of the frame where there are openings for the driving boxes. They complete a 'box' around that opening and are precisely fitted to tabs on the bottom of the frame so the joint isn't dependent on bolts alone.

Also, the reaming shown was done with a tapered reamer so that we could fit a tapered bolt into these locations. The joints around the x-brace center casting have to be very strong to resist the twisting forces as the locomotive goes over uneven track.
These two bolts also hold the brake beam hanger bar, which has to pass through the middle of the bolt. The hanger bar has to be removable to allow the brakes to be assembled. These hollow tapered bolts were custom machined to match the taper. Hence the extra precautions to make sure the reamed holes were accurate and the bolts were a perfect fit. We were very pleased with the final result.

4

Volunteers / Re: Special Work Report: Sunday December 18, 2022

« on: December 19, 2022, 02:22:09 PM »

I think that is the most inspiring WW&F Christmas train story ever!
And the best poetry, too.

Well done
to everyone!

5

Work and Events / Re: WW&F No. 11 - Official Work Thread

« on: December 12, 2022, 02:13:38 PM »

Joints that could not be riveted were connected with fitted bolts. The holes were reamed to a known size and a bolt custom machined to be exactly .002" larger in diameter than the hole. The bolt was driven into the hole by hammering. A nut is added and torqued to ensure that the joint can't work loose.
The interference fit ensures metal to metal contact between the bolt and the pieces to be joined together, similar to a riveted joint. 
There will be many more of these fitted bolt joints to attach the rear frame extension casting to the front and rear frames.

6

Museum Discussion / Re: Czech Czooch

« on: December 12, 2022, 09:17:53 AM »

Good to see the Czech engine light is off in these photos.

I got it the second time around. 
Definite LOL moment. Good one, Bill.

7

Work and Events / Re: J&S Truck Build/Rebuild - Official Work Thread

« on: December 04, 2022, 07:20:53 PM »

Jerry and Carlos wheeling the first truck(Randy supervising):



(Also posted in Work Reports)

8

Volunteers / Re: December 2022 Work Reports

« on: December 04, 2022, 11:43:59 AM »

Here's Carlos and Jerry wheeling the first truck frame (Randy supervising):

9

Maine Narrow Gauge RR Co. & Museum / Re: MNG GE #1

« on: November 14, 2022, 02:09:01 PM »

I believe that B&M and MEC engines (and Portland Terminal) had a maroon body with gold stripes in the center paint scheme in the 40's and 50's. Check out Conway Scenic's engines 573 and 4268. https://www.conwayscenic.com/2021/05/14/april-2021-wheel-report/

MNGRR No. 1 is maroon with an off white (maybe cream?) stripe.

10

Work and Events / Re: Engine House - Official Work Thread

« on: November 11, 2022, 08:01:13 AM »

I saw yesterday, the 10th, that the west and north windows were in, but not the east ones.
Start was starting to shingle the west wall.
Compliments to Brendan and the rest of the crew for excellent work!

11

Museum Discussion / September/October Newsletter

« on: October 26, 2022, 12:32:13 PM »

I finally finished reading the latest newsletter and I wanted to congratulate and thank Bill, Jason, and everyone who contributed for an excellent and thorough job of illustrating the planning and construction of the Mountain Extension.

Pulling all the details and history into a beautifully illustrated and written document really shows what a well planned and executed project it was, as well as a truly significant contribution to the rebuilding of Maine's history by the museum's volunteers and donors.

I would suggest that a link to this article be added to both the Facebook page and the museum's website to reach a wider audience.

12

Work and Events / Re: Engine House - Official Work Thread

« on: October 10, 2022, 03:40:34 PM »

Now that we know how to do it I think it would have been neat to rivet those support posts together. 

13

Whimsical Weirdness and Foolery / Re: New WW&F Event

« on: October 07, 2022, 06:21:41 PM »

I guess it's not a good joke if you have to explain it...

What time is it when you have to go to the dentist?
"Tooth Hurty"  (or 2:30) 

14

Museum Discussion / WW&F on Boston.com

« on: September 30, 2022, 09:20:11 AM »

The WW&F is on Boston.com's list of best train rides in New England.
(I think we know who "Ed. L. from Brunswick" might be.)
https://www.boston.com/community/readers-say/these-are-the-best-train-routes-in-new-england-according-to-readers/

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Whimsical Weirdness and Foolery / Re: New WW&F Event

« on: September 30, 2022, 08:59:18 AM »

I hope they will return before 2:30.