Late July 2019 Boiler Progress

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Welding and patience continues at Continental Fabricating as more stays are completed on the R-1 boiler.  No, the pictures are not upside down, that is merely the positioner at work to allow the greatest productivity and weld quality possible.  The steel forging which makes the base of the steam dome has been tack welded in place and you can see the welder’s feet as he makes the root and fill-in welding passes while he’s standing on the floor.

The other parts of the steam dome are being fitted together and the welding has been partially completed and soon will be done.  For the new boiler we have adopted a more European approach by having a removable steam dome.  This will make maintenance and inspection tasks much easier in the years to come.

Photos are courtesy of Continental Fabricators.

Early July 2019 Boiler Progress

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Progress continues with the welding of staybolts at Continental Fabricating. The boiler is now mounted to the positioner and like a huge rotisserie it can be rotated to allow the welders to work from the best possible position and comfortable welders make for better welds.

In these pictures, the boiler’s fireman (left) side is down to allow for work on the top of the wrapper sheet without having to set up scaffolding or work from a ladder. This minimizes or eliminates fall hazards. From the firebox side this will allow work to continue without welding overhead so the workers aren’t standing under a shower of sparks as they weld.

The below photo inside the boiler is a unique perspective that won’t be available much longer. The steam dome has not yet been welded in place so this allowed Continental Fabricator’s Tom G. to position the camera right in the top of the boiler shell where we can see the water side of the crownsheet and the rows of staybolts that tie the crownsheet and wrapper sheet together. We can also see the rows of staybolts yet to come, many of which will be flexible stays.

C&NW #1385 boiler as of July 8, 2019. Photo courtesy Continental Fabricators.

Friends & Neighbors Days

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Come discover the nationally-renowned railroad museum in your own backyard! Mid-Continent Railway Museum appreciates the support of our nearby communities and wants to thank you with discounted train rides during our FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS DAYS.

Residents within the school district of REEDSBURG, WI are invited to join us for a discounted train ride on JULY 13, 2019 while residents living within the BARABOO, WI school district can enjoy discounted fares on AUGUST 10, 2019.

Just show the ticket agent your ID with Baraboo or Reedsburg-area address on the appropriate day and receive special pricing: $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). This is 50% off our regular fares. Train rides depart at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

As part of the Freedom Day Celebration on July 27th in our hometown of North Freedom, residents with a North Freedom address can show an ID to receive a free train ride July 27th and 28th.

No reservations are necessary. Discounts apply to Coach Class tickets only and can only be redeemed on the appointed day.

Thanks for being our neighbor!

EJ&S #2 Restoration Update – July 3, 2019

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Work on the East Jordan & Southern #2 continues at a steady pace. This past weekend we had a great turnout during the work session, allowing us to work on several projects including the EJ&S #2 which was led by Pete B. and Bill. F.

Work focused on the west side of the car. Tasks included installing the window sills, window lentils, and the panels between the windows. New window stops for the west side of the car were also produced and all the pieces primed.

Pete B. making more progress on the EJ&S #2. Bill Buhrmaster photo.

EJ&S #2 Restoration Update – June 17, 2019

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In the May work session we decided to remove the west side letter board, siding above the window sill and the window sill. Work was then started on fabricating new window sill material.

During the June 14 and 15th work session work on the window sill was completed. This included fastening an inner trim piece to the sill and then attaching the sill to the belt rail. The next steps include installing new siding above the window sill and re-installing the top fascia and letter board.

Peter B.
Restoration Department