10/29/2022 Work Session

Wednesday, Brian and Hannah from Maine Locomotive and Machine were up and removed more superheater flues. These proved difficult to haul out to the pile, so we had to get a little inventive about our strategy. Hand trucks for the win!

The boiler has several studs screwed into it that hold things like the cab mounts, brackets that hold the walkways, air pump and other various appliances. Most, if not all, will require replacement, and it is important that their location, size and purpose be recorded. Leverett, our CMO, has begun the process of numbering, recording and diagramming the studs.

Present this week: Leverett, Hanna, Paul VS

10/22/2022 Work Session

Bob did a trial fit for the new cab front wall. While it wasn't a perfect fit right off the bat, the issues should be easy to address. With winter fast approaching, Jim took advantage of the last of the warm weather to get the tender doors and covers finished with a coat of black paint. Paul weatherized the tent with the addition of new shop skirting.

With the Downeast Scenic Railroad (DESR) operating season officially over, NESCo volunteers joined DESR to celebrate another successful year with a pizza party. Thanks to all who came out this year to support both operations!

Present: Paul VS, Bob, Jim

10/19/2022 Report from Bob DeWachter's Shop

From the home shop of Bob DeWachter comes, new rapid metal fabrication! Using
his new CNC robotic arm plasma cutter, Bob fabricated two pipe flange backing plates to install the water connections on 470's new cistern. These plates sandwich the tank floor and allow installation without holding wrenches inside the tank and prevent any seepage around the bolt heads. The CNC cut from 1/4” steel plate at 60 inches per minute and took about 1:20 min to accurately cut the center hole, four 3/4” bolt holes and the outside diameter. A few moments cleaning up and Bob was ready to weld the bolt heads to the plate.

This plasma cutter is small and portable, and will allow rapid fabrication of most anything from metal stock. It really opens up possibilities for us and we are excited to explore where we can use it next!

9/25/2022 Work Session

A small but mighty volunteer crew of two worked this Saturday, enjoying the beautiful, breezy early fall day. Paul VS single handily lugged the third batch of boiler tubes out to the storage rack. The boiler is nearly empty of flues and the pile is getting big!

Paul and Bob then set up the new front cab wall sheet so that the outline of the boiler could be laid out and cut with a plasma cutter. The cut went well using a jig to guide the arced path of the torch. They reduced the diameter by one inch to allow margin of error for final fitment.

Present: Paul VS, Bob

9/10/2022 Work Session

Maine Locomotive & Machine Works cut out another large batch of boiler tubes over the last week. We added the tubes to our growing pile outside of the shop, clearing the way for more to be removed in the coming weeks. Check out how empty it's getting inside!

Work has also continued on the tender. The water outlet was drilled in the bottom of the tender tank (cistern) and all freshly cut edges on the new access panels have been ground down for safety. There is just a little more work to do before we coordinate with our crane operator to schedule the tender pick!

Present throughout the week were: Ron, Leverett, Hanna, Paul VS, Jim

9/4/2022 Work Session

About 1/3 of the tubes and flues have been removed thanks to the efforts of Brian Fansleau and Hannah Miller from Maine Locomotive & Machine Works. Our volunteers worked this weekend to move the tubes and flues into storage, so work can continue. These will be stored outside off the ground on some cribbing. So far there is pretty minimal corrosion evident! Leverett also begin the job of tallying up the boiler stud mounts and accounting for various brackets. It looks like every bracket stud on the boiler will be replaced. There are a lot of them...

Bob laid out and plasma cut the final and largest riveting access panel in the tender. It took three people to lift it out! With this panel access, we can now have access for the final water connection flange work.

Bob and Paul set up the cab wall spacer arch plate to plasma cut a narrow strip from it to permit a proper fit. This was cleaned up and clamped to the new cab wall. Jim and Alex used this as a guide to drill the next succession of rivet holes through the new cab wall.

Additionally, some shop clean up and rearrangement had to take place. First, the fabrication table had to get it out from under the cab. It was turned it sideways in front of the cab, so there is room to work on the front wall. Also, the stoker motor, in its storage crate, was taken to building 1 for winter storage.

There were some issues with the diesel air compressor throughout the work session. Leverett discovered the fuel pickup in the fuel tank was sucking air below 1/2 a tank. We will have to fix this, but at least we know when the tank is 1/2 empty now…..

Present were: Leverett, Bob, Paul VS, Jim Armstrong and Alex Fogg

8/29/2022 Work Session

Brian Fansleau and Hannah Miller from Maine Locomotive and Machine began flu and tube removal today on the boiler! The super heater tubes had been removed previously by NESCo volunteers in May 2022. This brings us one step closer to a completed boiler inspection!

470 Gets New Whistles!

As a contribution to the restoration of Maine Central 470, artist Bernie Perch has followed original Maine Central drawings to obtain dimensions, design, and machine two new bronze whistles for the locomotive. Each measures about 24" in height and weighs about 50 lbs.

The bronze began as a heavily damaged propeller off a fishing boat that was donated to NESCo. The 400-pound propeller was cut into smeltable chunks at the NESCo shop in Hancock, Maine, and these chunks passed through several volunteer hands to reach the Amish-operated Cattail Foundry in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Using Bernie Perch's patterns, the bronze was poured into rough castings, which were returned to Bernie. Bernie did the machining at his home, producing this pair of gorgeous whistles.

The only departure from the original Maine Central drawings was the casting of "Maine Central 470" in the whistle tops and "NESCO" in the whistle valves, identifying specifically which engine these belong to. Bernie supervised the testing of the chimes on a steam line from a small steam switcher in Pennsylvania. People supporting the project included Susan Deupree Jones, Richard Glueck, and several friends of NESCo that acted as drivers between Maine and Pennsylvania.

NOTE: Bernie Perch is not in the whistle business, and is not soliciting requests for contract builds.

8/27/2022 Work Session

This weekend, our volunteers continued work on both the tender and the cab. They discovered that one of the tender frame water pipe brackets had a very poor weld done on it back in the day. This had to be corrected before the tender cistern can be lifted on the frame, so Jim ground out all the offending welds and corrosion. Bob rewelded two of the three sides, and then the repair was then primed and repainted. Jim also primed the tender's buffer plate and shim plate, along with the small tender access hatch. Paul worked inside the tender to grind out welds that tied the last access panel to a support brace.

Work continued to rebuild the cab front wall. First, the cab mounts were located and brought over to the boiler, so measurements could be made regarding the correct alignment of the cab front wall. Knowing how it all will go together, Bob re-examined the cab and discovered a minor error with a spacer, which will be corrected with some trimming. He then cut the arc of the new cab wall out.

In attendance: Bob DeWachter, Jim Armstrong, and Paul Van Steenberghe.

Prep for 8/27/2022 Work Session

In preparation for our upcoming work day on Saturday, Bob worked this week to make a couple of plasma torch guides. These will help us cut a new plate for the front of the cab. Last time, we tried to use the old front panel as a guide, but as you can see, the edges are pretty gnarly. Two guides were manufactured -- one is an adjustable fence that uses the edge of material as a guiding surface and the other is an arc cutter/ magnetic pivot with about 24”-46” range. This was tested on heavy cardboard at a 39” radius and a 43” radius. Let's see if we can copy this success in steel!

8/14/2022 Work Session

Enjoying a break from the blistering heat, we continued work this week on MEC #470's tender and cab restoration. Matt cut a flange clearance hole in one of the tender frame cross planks, allowing the water pipe to pass through cleanly when the tender cistern is placed on the frame. This takes us one step closer to our upcoming tender pick! Matt and Jim worked to clean another coal pocket door, as well as two of the compressed air tank brackets.

Bob and Hanna worked on the layout and cutting of the replacement front cab wall, using the old piece as a template for the new steel. They also drilled a mess of rivet holes which will hold the new front wall to the rest of the cab.

Present were: Bob DeWachter, Jim Armstrong, Matt Hofer, and Hanna Brooks

8/6/2022 Work Session

Ahhh!! Fresh air! Fabrication of the new removable cistern hatch was completed this weekend, allowing powered ventilation inside the tender cistern without restricting access at the manhole/ladder. Space is super tight up here and the extra inches saved in the manhole will be so valuable! Bob finished up the welding while Paul completed grinding of the opening to remove all the rough bits. Bolt holes still need to be drilled for permanent attachment to the cistern.

We also installed the rear cistern mounting brackets with new 1” diameter hardware. The location of these brackets was checked thoroughly, as these will be used to ensure the cistern positioning during the upcoming pick. Following the pick, these brackets will have to be removed and riveted to the tank a bit higher than the top surface of the frame. This will ensure that the cistern is pulled tightly against the deck.

The lateral tank positioning was checked a third time to verify it was correct. We are definitely flying with the motto: “measure a bunch, pick it up once”! Definitely want to get it right on the first try.

The tender pick is near to happening, with just a few tasks left to complete!

Present were: Bob DeWachter, Paul Van Steenberge, and Jim Armstrong

7/30/2022 Work Session

This Saturday's workers included Jim Armstrong, Bob DeWachter, Hanna Brooks, Brian Herbert and Matt Hoffer. Robert Moore, from Downeast Scenic RR, performed maintenance on our crawler crane in preparation for the tender lift.

Jim continued to work on the coal pocket doors. They are now all cleaned up and primed. Matt got all the tender brake rigging cotter pins installed. This took a bunch of crawling around under the frame. He also removed a bit of brake piping, so it couldn't be damaged during the cistern install.

Another small access hatch was cut in the deck of the tender. This is for fan ventilation duct. This allows the man hatch to be completely clear. It is fairly small and running a 13” duct really hinders using the ladder. The cutout was transformed into a flanged hatch that will receive a rubber gasket and be bolted into place. Much of the plasma cutting and welding required for this transformation was done by Hanna (as her first lessons in MIG welding) on this under Bob's tutorage. Brian ground the edges smooth on the riveting access openings. This was important as there will be a lot of activity in this area riveting, and you don't want injuries for sharp edges.

Additional work included taking measurements to locate the cistern guides to properly locate the tank when it is set in place. We also finished stripping the old upper front cab wall to allow its use as a pattern for the new wall. A brand-new refrigerator was delivered and stocked with water, making the crew quite delighted! A special thanks to the NESCo members for cold water during these hot work sessions!

7/23/2022

Well, it was probably our hottest work session to date. Perfect for torch work, plasma cutting, welding and grinding!

Leverett worked to remove old rivets from some of the coal doors, so that Jim could further clean them up for paint. Jim was at it with the grinder and wire wheel, cleaning up coal pocket doors and draft gear. He also swapped over to weld prep for Bob when needed.

The second large coal pocket access panel was cut out with a plasma cutter to allow riveting. These would make good jump seats for guest coal pushers who can use their feet to kick coal down to the fireman.

Additionally, we made another step closer to being able to put the tender tank in place! Clamp on guide posts were fabricated to assist locating the tank side to side properly as it is set down. We are very close to making this lift happen. The guides still need to be adjusted for the 5 inches of tank overhang needed to center it on the frame. It will not be easy to shift the tank about once it is set, so we want the location spot on the first time.

Finally, Bob cut out a new 1/4” thick buffer plate shim to replace the one in poor condition. The faces of the buffer plate are pictured above. Not to worry, the pitting is of no consequence.

Attending: Leverett Fernald, Bob DeWachter, Jim Armstrong and Al Jenkins paid a visit.

7/16/2022 Work Session

Present for work on July 16 were Jim Armstrong (welcome back Jim), Paul Van Steengerghe, Ron Jenkins. From the DESR crew, Earl Shaak, Robert Moore and Charlie Freeman.

Our biggest accomplishment, which was not on the list, but in the planning stage for several weeks, was the installation of a crossing in front of the engine bay. This will allow us to use the tractor to replace the draft gear in the tender. It will also help with snow removal next winter, plus help move equipment around the yard by making the area by the fence more accessible.

Other accomplishments include compressing the draft gear in preparation for reinstallation and cleaning up the yoke and coupler shank for reinstallation. The left water outlet flange holes were laid out and drilled, too.

Thanks to all who participated!

7/9/2022 Work Session

Work continued on the tender this weekend to prepare for the next stage of picking the tender up and placing it on the frame, as well as riveting. During the week, we traced out and drilled the required boltholes in the angle iron that will be used as lifting lugs during the pick. These have now been secured to the tender.

In order to make riveting possible throughout the tender, we cut a series of panels into the tender frame. A man hatch into the water leg behind the stoker compartment, which will eventually be converted into a bolted down hatch. An access panel was also cut out of the coal pocket to make riveting possible in this area. The other side of the pocket will also need to be cut. These panels will be welded back into place, and there won't be much evidence of this once we are done — none when a load of coal is in place.

We also worked to take apart the tender connection fittings in preparation for reconnecting these fittings to the new tender frame. Pictured is the mounting bracket for tender pipe connections after Brian disassembled and needlescaled it. Leverett and Al cut holes for the water flanges in the new tender body.

Additionally, this week, we installed a new “task” board in the shop and continued work on the Detroit Model A lubricator. There are two seals in the lubricator that gave us trouble when trying to remove them and will need to be replaced before the lubricator can be put back together.

Present for work this week: Bob, Paul VS, Brain H., Leverett, Al, Ron, and Hanna

Seal Cove Auto Museum -- Cars and Coffee Event (9 July 2022)

New England Steam Corp joined Seal Cove Auto Museum for their bi-monthly Cars and Coffee event on Saturday, July 9th. Focused on steam, the event had wonderful weather, great turnout, a variety of beautiful cars, the 1898 Skene Steam Carriage (on loan to Seal Cove), and Seal Cove’s 1914 Stanley Mountain Wagon!

Hanna talked with visitors about the NESCo restoration project and brought #470’s bell for people to ring!

6/25/2022 Work Session

This weekend, volunteers worked to remove the front of the cab. While we were hopeful that the front wall could be saved, the steel was too far gone to be used safely. As we have done with the sides, the original steel has been carefully removed so that it can be used as a template for the new steel.

We are preparing to lift (or pick) the tender onto its frame in the coming months. This requires careful planning to make sure the crew and equipment are safe. New angle iron came in this week which will be used as anchors on each side of the tender. Volunteers cleaned up the angle iron in preparation for the next step, tracing out and drilling the required boltholes.

Lastly, we finished cleaning up the shop from Touch a Train by putting away the headlight and moving the tender frame back into the tent.

Present were: Leverett, Paul VS, Tim, Hanna, and Robert

Touch a Train 2022

Our annual Touch a Train event was back on June 11th, 2022 after a two-year hiatus. Hosted jointly with Downeast Scenic Railroad, the event invites the public to Washington Junction Yard to learn about diesel and steam passenger and freight trains, as well as the maintenance equipment used to repair and replace rails and ties. One hundred years of engineering on display to learn about, touch, and ride on!

This year’s event featured:

  • Speeder car rides

  • Downeast Scenic caboose rides

  • Locomotive cab tours of Downeast Scenic #1055

  • Displays of track maintenance vehicles

  • A chance to blow a steam whistle and ring a locomotive bell

  • Tours of the Maine Central #470 steam locomotive restoration

  • A model train display by Maine 3-Railers

  • A wooden scale model of the Maine Central #470 made by Wooden Alchemy

  • A historic car from Seal Cove Auto Museum

Thanks to everyone who came out to make the event a success! See you next year at Touch a Train 2023!

6/4/2022 Work Session

Preparations were made at the Washington Junction yard to get ready for Touch-A-Train next weekend!

New England Steam Corp.
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
P.O. Box 302
Winterport, ME 04496