918 April 2002 update

918 April 2002 update 918
April 2002 Update

Sometime around March, 918 was moved near the OTR office and set over the pit that was once occupied by the 2467.

Here is what she looked like in 2001:


Side view shows that most panels will have to be replaced.	Heavy rust damage evident in this view. These panels were constructed using a sheetmetal/plywood sandwich (or composite) and were prone to corrosion like this.

Overall, the engine room is very clean. The engine block, generators and alternator, and other support equipment has been cleaned and repainted.	The cab, pretty much as it looks today. Very little will need to be done here. Also see the "Cab" page where Howard goes into more detail on the work that went into restoring this area.

Above photos by Larry Tuttle (2001)

After the locomotive was moved to the work area, Don McPherson and Phil Copple immediately began work on the battery compartments. Don was able to get a few used batteries to replace the ones that were too deteriorated. Phil cleaned and repainted the compartments and the new batteries were set in place. They were placed on a charger to charge over the next few weeks.

It was decided early on that we would start from the top of the engine and work our way down. The roof has a considerable amount of surface rust, and the main roof hatch will have to come off to replace the mufflers. We will be installing spark arresting type mufflers in order to operate 918 in Niles Canyon. While Don and Phil worked on the battery boxes, I loosened up the bolts (and broke a few too) to the front two hatches (main and dynamic brake).

	Replacement batteries before being installed.

Very little "Perlman Green" is left on the roof. Radiator fan grills have been removed for cleaning. All hatch bolts were loosened with impact wrench (and lots of WD-40).

Above 2 photos and text - Dan Furtado (6/02)

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