Seems that the flexible staybolts, since they are just that, flexible, that they seem to last a long time. Taking the caps off and inspecting them is just part of annual maintainence.
No, taking the caps off is NOT part of ANY maintenance, annual or otherwise!
True, not required but when many of the caps are old, thin and worn replacing caps and seals now makes sense. The code book does not say they can not preform the types of repairs they are making. In your opinion what they are doing is a waste of time and money, to them, they are trying to start over at ground zero with a fresh rebuild, a clean boiler, tender and move forward.
Flexible staybolts have a hole drilled all the way up the inside to the base of the ball head, thus according to the FRA regulations, they do NOT have to be inspected. Not even on a 1472 day/15 year inspection. The design is such that, if a flexible staybolt breaks, steam/water will exit the tell tail hole into the firebox area.
Yes
They get new seals and have to be torqued to a certain torque spec.
Sure didn't know there was/is a torque specification. The caps are tightened against a copper gasket, period.
Correct. In my industry when no torque is specified tight plus 1/6th turn is used. I would imagine they have something similar.
Nice to see they are actually working on something other than the buildings. Collecting parts for 4014 is half the battle,
None of what they are doing has ANYTHING to do with 4014. They are working on 844, NOT 4014.
True, sort of. They are working to get 844 running before working on 4014. They are ordering parts for 4014. Some parts have arrived, see photos above.
having all they need to put it together on hand once the boilerwork and any frame/driving axle box work is done will make the reassembly go pretty quick.
During my visit Ed said something to the effect that they are working on their water treatment options. Frequent blow downs are also going to be part of the protocol.
My sources say that the pressure is on to get 844 rolling, so 4014 is second in line on the work priority list.
Frequent Blow downs are also going to be part of the protocol
! Yeah ya think? The 1st thing that I noticed when the pictures were posted of the deposits from the boiler!
Yes, I hope the leader has learned something, as well as, his followers. They can only follow as they are lead.
There are several Boiler Training Classes around the country, and possibly some that have/do locomotive boiler training. Might be a good class for all of them to attend!
