Project Report - 8 October 2016

Its been a while but here is the latest news from the S class group.


Crinoline's
Well we finally got there, all the crinoline hoops, bars and angles are now complete. The amount of work that was put into the manufacture of these by the team was enormous, we cut, joined and formed the flat bars and then drilled and tapped or countersunk approximately 400 holes and that's not including the welding up and redrilling plenty more because the locomotive was not exactly built to the drawings, we'll call this fine tuning.


I'd like to thank Greg, Brayden, John & Alex in seeing this almost never ending job to the end.

Greg doing a bit of fine tuning

Brayden and Greg drilling one of the 400 holes

The last two bars complete, smiles tell the relief of a job well done.

Brayden and Greg making sure they both fit like they are supposed to.

Firebox Ashpan

Kirk has been working like a Trojan on the repairs to the ashpan, every possible escape path for a hot ember has been sealed. The doors still require a bit of work and also the mounts for the grate support bars prior to the installation of the grate. I'll include some photo's in the next report of Kirks fine work.

Regulator

John W. has taken on the task of restoring the steam regulator. The steam regulator is operated by the driver and its the valve that allows steam to be released from the boiler to the cylinders making the engine go forward or backwards. An extremely important valve of the engine.

Unfortunately when the parts were being located to put the regulator back together it was discovered that a vital component; the crank ark (fork) was missing. Luckily the drawing of the component was located at the State Records Office and a new replacement was manufactured by Pressform in Bassendean.

John is currently matching the operating spindle to the square in the crank arm by filing the square on the shaft to make a good fit. The valve seats also need to be lapped in the make a good seal.

The new Crank Arm (Fork)

The regulator components, left to right, the valve operationg spindle,
the crank arm and the valve spindle.

As assembled, when the driver pulls the lever in the cab, the rodding pulls the lever on the left,
the operating spindle then rotates which then rotates the crank arm lifting the valve spindle
opening the valve releasing steam to the cylinders.

Next Steps

Probably the most important task to do next is the installation of the regulator. Once this is complete the clothing can be reinstalled on the barrel and the fittings reassembled onto the locomotive. Whilst the regulator is being worked on there is still plenty to do, all the clothing for the firebox needs to be made and fitted which will also allow all the fittings to be reassembled onto the locomotive.

Well that's it for now, keep checking for updates.

Project Report - 18 June 2016

Over the past several weeks, the team have been working on various projects for S549, listed below are those in detail;

Crinoline Hoops and Bars
So what the bloody hell is a crinoline I hear you say..... Well thanks to our friends at Wikipedia, here's the explanation;

A crinoline /krɪn.əl.ɪn/ is a stiffened or structured petticoat designed to hold out a woman's skirt, popular at various times since the mid-19th century. Originally, crinoline described a stiff fabric made of horsehair ("crin") and cotton or linen which was used to make underskirts and as a dress lining.

So how does 19th century fashion relate to a steam locomotive.? Well the outside sheeting on the boiler is called the "clothing" hence the connection.

Well back to what we are up to;
Due to the condition of the original crinoline hoops and bars, we decided to manufacture replacements. To enable us to manufacture them to the original specifications, we sourced the original drawings from both the Rail Heritage and State Records Office collections. Thanks again to Peter Dimarco from the SRO. Peter worked as a boilermaker at the Westrail Midland Workshops up until it closed and with him now at the SRO it makes it a lot easier requesting particular drawings as he knows exactly what he is looking for.

Drawing of the hoops sourced from the State Records Office

Initially we sourced pricing for full replacements ready for painting and fitting, however due to the volume of work involved in these (pressing, rolling and drilling/tapping holes), the price was outside of that budgeted for. We then decided to sub-contract the bare minimum and do the remainder of the work at Bassendean.

Orders were raised with Pressform for the supply and rolling of the hoops and for the flat bar joggles required for the crinoline bars, the remainder of the flat bar were purchased from Di Candillo Steel city. As Pressform turned around their order within a few days as they are aware of the importance of the project, Kirk kindly offered to pick the components up late on a Friday so they would be ready for the commencement of work the following day.

The rings required a considerable amount of work, so a layout (template) was developed on the work bench so the connection holes and the correct lengths could be transferred onto the rings. Each ring was manipulated to be the correct radius, marked out, drilled, countersunk and cut to length.

On the work bench - manufacturing a half Crinoline Hoop

In parallel, the spacing brackets were drilled and tapped. We also manufactured the crinoline bar that connects the rings together along with being the foundation for the shroud that sits between the dome and chimney. These long pars were pieced together with joggles and straight sections then drilled and tapped.

Drawing of the Joggles

The joggles allow for the crinoline bars to pass under each other allowing the front face to stay flush for the exterior clothing.

Under the supervision of Kirk, John and Alex drill one of the hundred holes required for the crinoline bars

We trial fitted the first ring and noticed it sat quite loose, upon closer inspection of the brackets that hold the rings away from the boiler we discovered that they were short so we extended the legs by welding a small piece to the brackets and ground them back to the correct measurement.

We finally completed the rings and trial fitted them as a complete set, all went well with only a few minor adjustments required.

Alex, Greg, John and Thing (from Addams Family) fitting the rings

Alex making final adjustments

Greg and Jayden - Happy crew after the trial fit.

Now that the barrel hoops and bars are nearly complete, our next task is to manufacture the firebox crinoline bars (in fact we have already made quite a few).

Firebox Ashpan
As with all coal or wood fired steam locomotives, once the fuel is burnt, the ash fall through the grate and into the ashpan where it is collected for further disposal at a loco depot. The ashpan needs to be a fully sealed container to ensure that the hot embers stay on the locomotive. As the grate has been removed, it gives us the perfect opportunity to check for holes in the steel plating and ensure the ashpan doors fully seal.

Kirk has been given this task and over the past weeks he has been heard but not seen, banging and clunking inside the firebox patching suspect areas caused by corrosion. He is also modifying the corners so the ash doesn't get hung up there and making it easier to rake out.

Radios and Electrics
The time when Alex isn't on site helping the crinoline hoops and bars, he's at home researching on what requirements are needed to comply with Brookfield's communication policies. The locomotive needs to be fitted with radios so the crew can keep in contact with train control. Different types of radios are required depending which area the train is working.

He is also doing the same with the locomotive lighting, moving away from incandescent lights to a more energy efficient LED system.

Smokebox Concrete
With the hydrostatic test out the way the concrete in the smokebox could be re-poured. John was given this task and firstly the area in which the concrete would sit against the tubeplate needed to be wire buffed and painted with the same high temperature zinc rich primer as what had been applied to the boiler barrel. The concrete was then poured in the area removed for the boiler examination.


With every hour spent on the locomotive's restoration is an hour closer to seeing S549 back in steam.

Vale Merv Inions

Mervyn Inions

It is with great sadness that the S class has lost another one of its long time friends, that of Merv Inions. Not many would know Merv, but without him the road to restoring S549 in the 90's would have been that much more difficult.

Merv was a boilermaker who started with the WAGR in the 1950's and retired when the workshops closed in 1994. In the later years after steam died, he looked after the workshops boilers which included the four ASG locomotive boilers and the workshops air receivers also assisting the boiler inspector with annual inspections of these vessels also.

He also helped with the various preservation groups in the state and his score card goes something like this, but not limited to;

• Worked on the two G class overhauls in the 70's
• He returned the boiler of DD592 to operating condition in the 80's
• He assisted with re-tubing a couple of Hotham Valleys W class boilers
• Assisted Bennett Brook Railway with various projects including work on the Mallet boiler and another locomotive possibly the Perry, Betty Thompson

So where does he fit into S549's story.?

Once Merv found out about the work on 549, he assisted with the loan of tools and equipment to get the boiler up to spec. Most of all, he allowed access to his wealth of knowledge which was priceless, he unselfishly trained and passed on his skills to me (whilst assisting him on the projects listed above) of which I have now been passed onto others with the current S class re-tubing project.

He was also responsible for restoring various parts of her (at the Midland Workshops) in the early 90's including various boiler fittings and the spark arrestor components prior to them being installed into the smokebox.

I last saw Merv around 6 months ago when I went to see him to obtain advice on the selection of new tube expanding equipment and beading tools to be used on the recent re-tubing of 549's boiler. Like always, very willing to help where and when he can.

He will be sadly missed.

Project Report - 9 April 2016

A fair bit has been going on with the S class since the last update.

Boiler Preparation For A Hydrostatic Test

Now that the tubes have been installed, the boiler needs to hydrostatically tested, our friends at Wikipedia explains;

A hydrostatic test is a way in which pressure vessels such as pipelines, plumbing, gas cylinders, boilers and fuel tanks can be tested for strength and leaks. The test involves filling the vessel or pipe system with a liquid, usually water, which may be dyed to aid in visual leak detection, and pressurization of the vessel to the specified test pressure. Hydrostatic testing is the most common method employed for testing pipes and pressure vessels. Using this test helps maintain safety standards and durability of a vessel over time.

So the next step was to seal (plug up) all the other holes in the boiler so the vessel could be pressurized. The holes were in the form of washout plug holes and boiler fitting mounts such as safety valves and clack valves.

The washout plug holes are a tapered threaded hole of which a bronze (Leaded Gunmetal) tapered plug is fitted. Some of the threaded holes required cleaning up to ensure a good seal is formed when the plug is fitted, to do this washout plug taps were borrowed from Bennett Brook Railway and Ian Willis, we are extremely grateful for the loan of these. Once the threads were restored, the plugs were sorted for the correct size and refitted.

WAGR drawing of a washout plug

Washout plug tap

For the boiler mounts, special blanking plates were required. Each mount was measured, drawn on AutoCAD, cardboard templates produced to test to ensure the dimensions were correct and then subcontracted out for manufacture. The blanking plates were manufactured by Pressform using a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) mill to ensure accuracy. Unfortunately on a couple of mounts the pitch between studs varied slightly and the plates for these required some fine tuning by Kirk with a KOHF (Kirk Operated Hand File). A gasket was also required between the blanking plates and the mounts, John manufactured these out of rubber insertion. The plates and gaskets were then fitted and the securing nuts and washers tightened up.

Blanking plates fitted to the safety and clack valve mounts

As the boiler required to be pressurised a pump was necessary to carry out this task, luckily enough there was one in storage. John took on the task of getting the pump operating; new fittings and pump to boiler hose acquired to ensure there were no leaks for the test.

The last task was to replace the fusible plug leads, these are a safety device in the event of the water level in the boiler dropping below the firebox crown, the leads melt and the pip drops out allowing the steam to put the fire out minimizing warping the firebox shell and other damage to the boiler.

Fusible plug assembly as fitted 

Fusible plug mounting nut with conical plug removed 

There are four fusible plugs fitted to the S class locomotives, roughly one in each corner of the firebox. They consist of a mounting nut, conical plug with the fusible lead and a pip (tapered brass plug) fitted.

The conical plugs were removed and the leads/pip (gently) punched out, the lead is then gently knocked with a hammer to stretch/deform it, allowing the lead to slip off the pip. All parts were then cleaned up to remove any contaminants. A replacement lead was then slipped onto the pip and then fitted into conical plug and then firmly knocked into position to seal. The conical plugs were then refitted into the mounting plugs.

Fusible plug assembly,
Left - water side - showing the pip & lead
Right - fire side showing removal socket

Fusible plug assembly
Left to Right - Conical Plug, Pip, Fusible Lead
Rear - Completed Assembly

Upon completing the sealing up of the boiler, the plan was to carry out a trial a low pressure hydro test to ensure any slight leaks could be rectified prior to calling the boiler inspector. We did this and unfortunately the studs that were fitted in the steam dome that hold the dryer and steam pipe in position leaked. The studs were removed by Dom and with assistance from John Wearmouth drawings were located of the originals. Dom arranged to have replacement studs manufactured by Verriers Engineering in Bassendean who generously offered to provide at no cost, thanks Verriers.  www.verriersengineering.com.au The new studs were then fitted by Dom and the blanking plates reinstalled.

A trial low pressure hydro test was then carried out and the studs sealed this time. The tubes were inspected and only one weaped slightly at the smokebox end. The pressure was dropped and the tube was lightly re-expanded, finally we're ready for Doug (Boiler Inspector) to run his eye over her. Doug was contacted and arrangements were made to carry out the hydrostatic test on Saturday 9 April.

Saturday, 9 April - The team started early to ensure the area was set-up, Doug arrive around 10am and the tap was turned on to allow water off the mains pressurize the boiler, this took the boiler up to around 75psi in pressure. Doug then started his rounds, in the firebox, in the smokebox, along the sides and no leaks were found. OK let's start the pump and get the pressure up to operating pressure of 190psi which took around half an hour, still no major concerns. The pump was again turned on and the pressure increased to a higher pressure above the normal operating pressure (safety margin) to ensure the vessel would be sound in its normal operating condition. The pump was turned off and Doug again carried out his rounds.

Finally, all good was given by Doug and the pressure was slowly released. Now for the next step, put her back together again.

Other Works in Parallel

Whilst the work in preparing the boiler was going on, other work was being carried out in parallel.

Boiler Mount Gaskets - Following the Hydro test, the locomotive and all its fittings need to be reassembled, the fittings will need a gasket suitable for steam and as John had already made the rubber gaskets for the hydro test, he went on to source the steam gaskets also. Several companies were contacted and their products reviewed against our requirements, Novus Sealing Pty Ltd was selected as the supplier with their product Novus 30. Brett Mohen, Novus's Technical Sales Representative was extremely helpful as he had first hand experience in steam requirements as he is also a volunteer at the Hotham Valley Railway and knew exactly what we needed, thanks Brett.

Boiler Surface Preparation - Twenty five plus years ago, the boiler was sitting on sitting on specially built stands off the engine, the decision was made to sand blast the exterior surfaces and paint in a zinc rich primer. It actually held up quite well in some area's but not in others over the years since it was initially done.

We didn't have the luxury of sand blasting it this time due to concerns in getting the abrasive sand into the operating equipment of the locomotive, not worth the risk. John and Alec researched a rust converter and top coat for the boiler and two products were selected, Fertan Rust Converter and a high temperature zinc rich primer.

Firebox with Fertan applied

Firebox with the High Temp Zinc Rich Primer applied

John and Andrew then proceeded to remove any loose scale and surface rust and coat the surface with the converter, after the recommended period for the converter to do its work, the top coat was then applied. Andrew had the task of doing the area underneath the boiler barrel, between the frames, nice and squeezy, well done Andrew. The boiler where completed to date looks as good as new and should see it protect the boiler for the next twenty five plus years, well done guys.

Painted Boiler - Looks like new

Steam Regulator Overhaul - John Wearmouth has taken on the task of overhauling the steam regulator valve. Basically this valve is operated by the driver and when opened by him, steam is delivered to the cylinders making the engine go forward or backwards, a very important valve. John's father had previously overhauled the valve as part of the original restoration of the locomotive 20+ years ago. The parts have now been cleaned up and repair requirements noted, some new components will need to be manufactured.

Crinoline Bar Replacement - Crinoline bars are what support the exterior cladding or clothing away from the boiler shell, initially it was thought that the 70 year old items would make do for another 10 years, we were kidding ourselves. The original bars had corroded to the point that in sections were only a couple on millimeters thick, they were loose on their brackets due to the thinning of material and the threaded holes used for bolting the cladding to were void of any thread at all. Time for replacements. The existing bars were then removed by John, Greg and Kirk however the mounting brackets now require drilling out and re-tapping, Dom is in the process of carrying out this work.

John and Greg removing the Cowling Crinoline Bars

Kirk marks the Crinoline bar for tracability

A busy few months indeed, stay tuned for more updates shortly. If you would like to be informed when there is an update, simply follow by email located on the right hand side of this page. Thanks for your ongoing interest, we are looking forward to seeing her in steam once again.

Major Milestone Acheived - 9 April 2016

                    MAJOR MILESTONE REACHED

Hydrostatic Boiler Pressure at Normal Operating Point

Today we passed a major milestone with the boiler being hydrostatically tested in the presence of the boiler inspector. The final pressure was above what the locomotive would normally operate at being 190psi, (i.e. a safety margin allowed) and the end result was that no major concerns were noted.

I would like to thank all those that have been involved on the project to date, without you we would not be where we are today. The fun now begins in putting it all back together again.!!


I will update you shortly of what we were up to between the last update and today, keep checking.

Project Update - 30 January 2016

With the tube expanding out the way, the beading of the tube ends in the firebox was required next.

Beading of the tube is a metal forming process in which the ends of the tubes are rolled over onto the tubeplate to further seal or caulk the expanded joint.

It is performed by using a beading tool and a small pneumatic hammer (Caulking Gun). Slowly but surely the beading tool is knocked by the piston in the gun which in turn knocks the end of the tube curling it towards the tube plate.



Caulking Gun

Beading Tool

Beading of a tube.

Beaded Tube

The beading of the tubes took several days to complete, once again the team all contributed to the task with excellent results.

John in action

Greg checking to see how the bead is going closing up onto the tube plate

Kirk beading one of the top row, your arms soon let you know your working up there..!!

During the boiler tube replacement, members of the Bennett Brook Railway at Whiteman Park were invited to visit Bassendean to observe the process and give it a go on the training module as they also have boiler tube replacement on their future maintenance programme. Brayden Hesford and Michael Watson have since visited and I am sure taken away an understanding of what it involves.   

Brayden expanding and flaring a tube at the firebox end of the module.

Michael expanding a tube at the smokebox end of the module.

BEADING COMPLETE

We also had the opportunity today to remove the sandbox as working around it has been a pain in the (well you know where) since the start of the project. With the aid of the recently acquired forklift and its competent operator Dom, the job of re-cladding the barrel will be so much easier. The steam dome cover was also lifted into position in readiness for the next step, the hydro.

Sandbox, down you come.

Well not really down at all, it ended up on the top of the water space
at the rear of the tender out of harms way.

So what's the next step..? The hydrostatic test, so stay tuned..

Project Update - 5 January 2016

With the training on the module out of the way, work commenced on installing the tubes in 549's boiler. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your view) most of the team were on leave so this enabled mid week work as well as the normal Saturdays.

Over six work days the team expanded all 93 tubes, slow but steady, no point rushing the job and paying for it later.

We would do them in batches, firstly the tube plate holes required polishing to remove any surface rust followed by removing any contaminants on the external surface of the tubes, this took a fair bit of time in itself. In regards to the expanding, we commenced in the firebox end, this would take the longest time due to measuring the stick out, measuring the tube wall reduction, ensuring the tube doesn't flare immaturely and the shear awkwardness of being in the firebox. This was later followed by the smokebox end.

It was hard work due to the awkwardness of the confined spaces not to mention some bloody hot days thrown in.

All of the team contributed to getting the work done and without the commitment of each of them at different stages over the six days, the work would not have been completed in the professional format that it was. Thanks to John, Kirk, Greg, Andrew, Alex, Jayden & Josh.

Some snapshots of the work in progress.


Alex and Kirk in action

Kirk measuring tube stick out

Onto the top row, Jayden and Kirk

John at the controls, assisted by Jayden

Job complete, all tubes expanded - firebox end

Job complete, all tubes expanded - smokebox end

Next task - Tube beading in the firebox.