Phase 1: The Trucks IN PROGRESS!

The wheel trucks are the assemblies of four wheels under the locomotive. The trucks as they are have worn bearings and broken frame members, but the wheel centers and tires are usable. Indeed, the tires look freshly turned. The biggest challenge will be converting the standard gauge built trucks (narrowed to 48" gauge by pushing in the wheels) to 36" gauge. One truck is fully disassembled and the design work is complete to begin manufacture of new arch bars, lateral braces, axles, bolsters and spring boards. The original bolsters were cast iron, the new ones will be of a welded steel construction. The truck mounted brakes will be redesigned to fit in the narrower trucks. New ring and pinion gears and ring gear carriers will be made by machining from forged steel. Once all the components are done and the trucks assembled and tested, phase 2 can begin.

Phase 2: The Frame

Enough of the frame's stringers are corroded beyond repair so they will be replaced. Climax used an 8" C-channel that weighed 26lbs/ft (C8 X 26). This heavy channel is no longer available. The new frame will most likely be designed using an 8" C-channel that weighs 18.75 lbs/ft (C8 X 18.75) with a piece of plate sandwiched in between. The body bolsters, queen posts, truss rods, lateral braces, brackets, etc. will be reconditioned and reused. Part of the frame phase will include the removal of the engine set and line shaft bearing supports. The engine set captures the frame in a way that requires the engine set be disassembled for removal. An assembly and test stand will be built from steel so the engine work can begin while the frame is being constructed. The frame will be constructed by hot riveting to preserve the aesthetic and flexibility of the original.

Phase 3: The Engine Set

The engine set will be torn down enough to allow a complete evaluation of all components. We know the engine set will run on steam thanks to a couple of our founding members hooking it up to a steam supply off of one of Roaring Camp’s locomotives. At the very least, bearings will have to be refreshed or replaced. We'll know more about the scope once the evaluation is complete.

Phase 4: Running Gear Assembly

At this stage, we will mate the Trucks, Frame, Engine Set, and Line Shafts. This will be a major milestone as it represents the conclusion of the major mechanical rehabilitation.

Phase 5: Saddle Rehabilitation

The saddle is in poor condition due to corrosion and will be replaced with a new saddle constructed of welded steel. This gives an opportunity to determine if the boiler can be lowered in the frame to bring down the center of gravity. The cast steam distribution and exhaust pipes will be repaired or replaced.

Phase 6: The Boiler

The boiler that was acquired from the Sumpter Valley Railroad appears to be in good shape from initial inspections. The tubes will be removed and a thickness survey conducted. Metal around the riveted joints will be inspected by either the magnetic particle or dye penetrant methods. The goal will be achieve a max operating pressure of 200psi. Once the survey and supporting calculations are complete, application will be made to the California DOSH Pressure Vessel Unit for a Permit to Operate.

Phase 7: The Tender

A new tank will be designed and manufactured with space for water and fuel oil. The finished height of the tender will be shorter than the original tank, thus lowering locomotive’s center of gravity.

Phase 8: The Cab

The existing cab will be rehabilitated as it is in fair shape. At this time, all sash and mill work will be completed.

Phase 9: Final Assembly

At this time, all of the piping and plumbing work will be completed on the locomotive. All the electrical work for lighting will also be completed. Accessories such as the air compressor, dynamo, bell, whistle, safety valves, lights, will either be reconditioned or obtained and mounted if they are missing. The locomotive will then be ready for testing and service.