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A lesser known aspect concerning superheater units is the concept of the "B-1" unit. While they are virtually unheard of today, practically every superheated CNR steam locomotive had them installed. As new superheater units wore out, they could be returned to The Superheater Company (Elesco) for either a "Class A" repair which would
rejuvenate them, thus making them fit for continued service, or if they were so badly deteriorated, they could be completely remanufactured. These remanufactured units were then referred to as being of "B-1 Manufacture".
Being a recycled component, both Elesco and the C.N.R were very interested in the performance of the "B-1" Units, which is why all locomotive failures attributed to "B-1" Units were to be reported in detail to the office of the General Superintendent of Motive Power & Car Equipment (M.P. & C.E.).
Elesco Unit Remanufacturing Service
By Which Unserviceable Units Are Put Into a Condition Equal to That of New Units
"To maintain superheaters at full efficiency, proper and uniform maintenance is essential. After units have served satisfactorily for many years, a question arises as to what further attention can be given them to prolong their useful life. Usually, to scrap them would be wasteful because the tubing generally is sound. Simply repairing the damaged parts, while it may appear the easiest way, ordinarily proves a costly makeshift and is unsatisfactory.
On the other hand, through Elesco unit remanufacturing service, unserviceable superheater units can be completely remanufactured at our plant and be made equal to new. This service is much more than a repair service. The many roads now using it find it more satisfactory and less expensive in the long run, both in initial cost and subsequent performance, than if they themselves attempted to reclaim the units. This is because full performance and economy of the superheater equipment is re-established.
As unserviceable units are received at our plant they are carefully inspected and classified according to the attention required. Obsolete or defective parts are removed, then the tubing is passed through the regular manufacturing processes and reassembled into units.
In this process, obsolete and defective return bends and ball ends are replaced by Elesco machine forged return bends and ball ends integral with the tubing. At the same time, each unit is restored to its original length by substituting new tubing when necessary. Units of proper length and with sound tubing, but with one or more defective return bends, have only the bends reforged.
Of course, new bands and supports are applied and the ball ends are faced, ground and blocked. Added protection is afforded by the application of cinder shields. With each unit, one new heat-treated bolt with washer and nut is furnished to facilitate quick and proper application.
Due to the marked similarity between new units and remanufactured units, it has been found desirable to paint remanufactured units red, so they can be distinguished from new units."
Elesco Type "E" Superheaters, order List of Parts Bulletin 12, 1931 Edition.
One method to identify a CNR locomotive equipped with B-1 Units is to look for the badge plate on the smokebox. Whenever a locomotive was initially fitted with a set of B-1 units, CNR Maintenance Regulation No.89, stipulated that a badge plate be applied to the smokebox front of the locomotive. The first line of this plate was to be stamped "B-1" with the date. Subsequent work was also to be recorded. General repairs to the superheater units performed by the railway was to be marked with the phrase "Shop Repair". Class A repairs were to be indicated with "A Repair". The
particulars of each type of repair are as follows:
Class "A" Repair - Type E Units
a - Tubing renewed where necessary.
b - Reforge return bends where necessary.
c - Latest design - reinforced ball ends.
d - New bands, supports and cinder shields.
e - Supply new heat-treated bolt with nut and necessary washers.
f - Clamps to be reconditioned and reapplied.
Class "B-1" Manufacture - Type E Units
a - Complete renewal of all tubing. "Ogee" type sub-headers to be replaced by bifuricated sub-headers.
b - Latest design reinforced ball ends.
c - Integrally forged return bends.
d - New high tensile bolts, nuts, supports and shields.
e - use existing forged steel clamps and unit bolt washers.
Repairs To Units At Main Shops:
Straightening and removal of scale from unit pipes.
Renew bands and supports.
Reface ball joints.
Renew cinder shields
Shop Symbols:
AK = Moncton
HQ = Montreal
MP = Stratford
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