I think Rick Sisson and Brendan will be around this weekend. Jason called me the other week to discuss several activities for No. 9:
1. Install the brake beams, hangers, connecting levers, etc. for the rear truck. That's assuming Jason made new attachment brackets for the frame.
2. If there is time, attach the chain to the brake wheel so the rear truck can actually apply braking force as th elocomotive is moved around...
3. As Brendan has shown in his photos and progress, attach the front bunter beam.
4. Drill the smokebox for items such as the marker bracket and cinder pocket.
5. If the rear brakes are complete, begin installing decking.
6. The iron sheet is on hand, I believe, for the boiler jacket. The old jacket sheets need to be compared to the locations of the standoff banding installed by Leon Weeks (very nice work!) and then measure, mark, and cut the new sheets so they can be sent off to have the Russia Iron finish created.
If there are people interested in the North Yard, we could probably (hopefully?) install the two 60-pound switches and possibly progress the roundhouse/coaling pocket track somewhat.
Jason and/or Dana can jump in and correct or change what I've written.
Dave Crow