WW&F Railway Museum Discussion > Work and Events

WW&F No. 9 - Official Work Thread

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Gordon Cook:
Work on #9 has gone pretty slow since last spring, what with all the outdoor activity during the warm season and the need to run steam every weekend.  The pace should pick up now that we are back inside for the winter.
 
My understanding is that the boiler is about ready for tubes over at Boothbay Railway. In the shop at Sheepscot the major frame break around the left front driver pedestal has been repaired, and the frame around the slots for the spring hangers have been reinforced. The new rear frame side assemblies have been riveted together. The piece that will tie the front and rear frame together has been cast (successfully, this was the second try) and awaits machining. Repair has begun on the right front frame in front of the driving box pedestal where the piece that goes under the cylinder casting bolts to the main frame had been 'working' and loosened up. This will also get a new, longer binder to better reinforce this joint. The pivot castings for the equalizer bar and brake rigging are in the process of being bored for bushings.

Major overhaul of the cylinders has not started, as they will need boring and the left side will get a sleeve. The rest of the running gear will also get an overhaul as needed.

I would expect that much of the work on the frame will be done this winter, and a lot of smaller stuff will get some attention. The third Saturday of the month has traditionally been #9 day.

If you search back through the forum topics you should find some pictures and descriptions of a lot of this work.
Our goal is to have as much of the original machine as possible while having a reliable locomotive that will pass any anticipated future regulatory requirements.  
 

Ed Lecuyer:

--- Quote ---How is #9 doing so far in the WW&F's steam shops?
--- End quote ---

Probably not too much different than the last time you asked.

Restoration is a slow, tricky business. It doesn't happen ovenight. A team of people don't descend upon a historical object and have it restored in a week in front of TV crews and wild crowds chanting "Move that caboose!"

For example, when I was last at Sheepscot, Jason pointed out a pile of parts - some small, some much larger that all needed to be cleaned. Cleaning involves using oil or another solvent along with a wire brush and determination to wipe off 100 years worth of crud. Between myself, my daughter and my niece, we cleaned a total of 5 parts in the hour or two we were at it. Dozens more parts are left - and those are just the ones that need cleaning. Many more need to be rebuilt or reconditioned.

Ed Lecuyer:
There was a good report on #9 in the Nov/Dec newsletter that just was sent to our members. Have you joined yet?

Tom Casper:
I have tried to find info on the overlall size of 9 in the forum but couldn't find a thread that held it so here are my quetions.

what is it boiler diameter, boiler length, total length and width, cyclinder size, wheel dia. and any other info you may have.  thanks.

Tom C.

Eric Bolton:
Lets see, its has 33" drivers, overall length is 25' 6", height is 9' 9", roughly 6' 6" wide, and wheel base is 16' 2". Atleast thats what I have found in books. Boiler and cylinders in not sure.

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