Pics 1-3 show the meticulous boiler jacket template that Wes Carpenter has been working on. A fine job worthy of commemorating with reproduction Russia Iron. After the templates are done, they'll be traced onto the iron sheets, which will then be test fit, polished, and treated.
Pics 4-7 show some backhead trim work, including installation of the gauge cock trough. Eric Schade did this work, including some fine forgery for the mounting system.
8-11 show the retaining system for the rear boiler jacket standoff made by Leon. It is mounted to the water glass mount (which is in turn bolted to te boiler) at the top, and to the boiler expansion mounts at the bottom. This work was also done by Eric.
Pic 12 shows the last of 7 jacket standoff rings made by Leon. These have been a slow, tedious project for which only Leon is suited. This one is mid-fit-up.
13-14 show the firedoor finish work- started by Bill Fortier and wrapped up by Eric. Note the forged hinge pin head and reworked (but original) handle which no longer can strike the water glass drain. Bill is currently working on a pattern for a fire door liner , which will be out of sight but is necessary.
15 is a close up of an ashpan door handle forged by Eric. I showed him the Portland Company drawing, and some stock, and said can you make this? This was the result- unassisted. I should have had Brendan take a pic of the drawing too... I love details like this- not functionally necessary but a fitting tribute to the way this machine was put together the first time.
16 shows the other ashpan door handle, which is original. 17 shows the jacket standoff bottom mounting bracket.
Zack and crew have been given the green light to deck, after which Marcel and Galo will have a green light to cabify!
Our main focus lately has been side rods- Jonathan, Eric and I all tackling that task. JB has been doing some prep work on some cylinder cock parts, and has been helping prep no 10 for the season. Joe Fox has been in helping on no 10 (weekend crew), while Jonathan carried some of that no 10 work further today. I got to order new parts!
Busy shop of late...
Jason