CNR 6167

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     During the mid 1980's, CNR 6213 was subject to an extensive cosmetic restoration which included among other things, the application of a new boiler jacket. This series of photos is intended to show how the boiler jacket is supported in the absence of lagging (asbestos or otherwise).

     The Boiler jacket is presently supported by strips of cedar placed around the circumference of the boiler shell, while Styrofoam blocks were placed around the sides of the firebox. The cedar strips are in turn held in place by plastic straps.

     This method has worked extremely well, and as of 2011, the jacket and its supports are still holding up after 26 years of service. The cedar strips are exceptionally rugged and can easily support the weight of several people standing on top of the boiler shell. As well, this arrangement of supports, in conjunction with drain holes in the bottom of the jacket, allow all of the water that finds its way under the jacket to quickly escape, thus preventing the accumulation of moisture under the jacket which minimizes corrosion of the jacket thus extending the life of the jacket.

     This is an excellent model for those intending to apply new boiler jackets to park locomotives, and will be used on CNR 6167 in Guelph, Ontario when its jacket is eventually applied. The only improvement to this system might be the substitution of plastic wood in the place of cedar strips.

     One final note, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should any form of insulation be applied around the boiler shell of a park engine, as it will only serve to collect water, which will shorten the life of the boiler jacket to only a few years. This mistake was made with CNR 6218 in Fort Erie, Ontario when its jacket was applied in the early 1990's, and many holes have since rusted through the jacket, which now needs to be replaced. Compare this to CNR 6213's jacket which is 26 years old at the time of the this writing, and is still in exceptional condition.

     Foam strips on sides of firebox fastened either by glue or by nails driven into staybolts, as required. Upper pieces, where practical, sandwiched between staybolt caps or other fittings. NOTE: Regarding glue/adhesives: make sure they are compatible with the foam and use sparingly.

     Cedar strips: Run plastic strapping under and around boiler with ends up at sides as if boiler was going to be lifted like a cradle. Strap can actually be loosely rolled right around boiler shell and cut with excess material to allow slightly more than sufficient space for installation of cedar strips. Ends will be at the top and can either be temporarily fastened together, or have people hold the ends. Note that as the cedar strips are applied, the weight on the straps will increase. You will most likely need three or four straps per boiler course. Co-ordination on each strap will be required. Slip cedar strips in between boiler shell and straps starting at bottom. Try to go left, right, left right, etc. working your way up the sides evenly. As each strip is put in place (left and right) pull strap taut (to pull strip into boiler shell) and fasten strap to strip with stainless steel staple. Once you are above the half-way point (generally above the running board), the process becomes a little easier due to accessibility. When the last strips are applied at the top, the ends of the straps can be stapled to several strips over on the opposite side. NOTES: Plastic strapping is typically the type used to palletize boxes. It's not actually that bad holding the weight of the strips on the lower portion as you do not need as many down there as compared to the upper half. As a result, it is also not as time consuming as you might think - especially due to the cramped working quarters under the boiler between the frame. It will obviously be necessary to simultaneously rig a strap at (or near) each end of the boiler course as a minimum and this method will hold the strips in place. As mentioned above, further straps (as many as thought to be required) can be installed for extra security. And they can be placed wherever is most convenient given the landscape of the boiler shell. There are no steadfast rules or procedures for installation. While the method sounds simple, care and thought must be made in advance given the many and varied nuances of every boiler. Plan to have lots of people on site to lend as many hands as may be required. And plan to use good old fashioned ingenuity. Above all, work safe and have fun.

     The following photos were taken by Grant Kingsland with the first eight photos taken in August 1985, while the last three were taken in September 1985.