Shortly before No.9 entered the works this photo, with Nigel in the drivers seat, was taken near the top end of the line.
2004/2005 Winter Rebuild
As a result of experience with No.9 since the various modifications and in light of Nigel moving to to New Hampshire in September 2004 a lengthy period on the works was scheduled. As this was written in March 2005 the work was still in hand with at least a further month to go. No.9, unofficially known as 'The Victim' has now had the nickname shortened to just "Vicki"!
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Shortly before No.9 entered the works this photo, with Nigel in the drivers seat, was taken near the top end of the line. |
The work in hand has turned out to be slightly more thorough than initially planned. A full list of work will be available once the loco is back in service. This work is but one stage in a series of planned modifications to be made as time progresses and component performance is assessed.
All design work has been undertaken using 3D design and modelling software.
An excellent webpage, by Roger Hahn, from his visit in late February has many interesting photos and a good description of the work in hand. The page can be found here.
Below follow details of certain aspects of the work undertaken.
The Rack Gear Cover
These item is essential to keep the large amount of muck that traditionally builds up on rack gear and associated components off them. This will result is a considerably extended life for all the components in question. Many "experts" have previously stated it would be impossible to produce such an item. As it is the design work has not been easy! The resulting cover is made in three pieces, cast in aluminium and weighs in at 234lbs.
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As part of the casting process this wooden pattern of the rack gear cover was produced at the Mount Washington workshops. |
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The cast aluminium rack gear cover as delivered and awaiting machining. March 2005 |
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A trial fitting of one unmachined section of the rack gear cover. March 2005 |
Steam Circuit
Using off the shelf pipes and fittings the live and exhaust steam circuits are being replaced. The new pipework is considerably larger than the previous arrangement thus leading to lower pressure drop which in turn should mean more power and greater efficiency. Using commercially available pipe fittings does mean some inevitably compromise with bends that could be less sharp but overall the effect will be very marked.
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This photo shows some of the original steam circuit. Note the large diameter chamber passing under the boiler linking the two sides of the loco to the same ???. Also note the test gear at various locations. October 2004 |
The new parts....
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New section of the steam circuit on the works floor. December 2004 |
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The same sections as seen above being assembled. December 2004 |
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And the same parts in place on the loco. March 17 2005 © John Johnston |
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The exhaust steam circuit has been enlarged and repositioned. This improves on work already done. December 2004 |
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The exhaust pipe on the smokebox side showing the tool used to get the blast nozzle base the correct distance from the bottom of the mixing chamber. Behind is a section of the Master Mechanics type spark arrestor. March 2005 |
Lempor Nozzle
The exhaust system is being altered in light of experience but also to match the revised steam circuit.
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The new Lempor nozzle in place along with the blower ring. March 17 2005 © John Johnston |
Smokebox Extension
To give more room for a decent spark arrestor etc the smokebox has been extended by 5 inches. A secondary spark arresting plate is being fitted towards the top of the chimney. This is a standard fitting on Mount Washington locos but this version is being arranged to ease the gas flow. It had been found in testing the original form was very detrimental to good exhaust ejector performance.
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In early December 2004 the 5" smokebox floor extension was in place. |
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By the middle of December 2004 the smokebox extension was in place and access had been cut for the exhaust steam circuit to enter the smokebox. |
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The cone shaped item is the new type of spark arresting plate to be fitted towards the top of the chimney. The point of the cone will face downwards. March 17 2005 © John Johnston |
Feedwater Heater
Most of the changes being made are to improve the pipe routing and component mounting.
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The internals of the feedwater heater with the shell top right. The feedwater is pumped through the tube bundle whilst waste (exhaust) steam passes through the shell so surrounding the tubes allowing heat transfer. October 2004 |
Cross Members
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The cross members at the front and rear of the loco are being replaced as can be seen here with the front member in place. March 2005 |
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This is the rear cross member as constructed awaiting fitting. March 17 2005 © John Johnston |
Rack Oiler
A rack gear oiler is to be introduced. This is Nigel's own design as proved on SMR No.4.
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This is the oil reservoir for the rack oiling system. March 17 2005 © John Johnston |
All uncredited photos are © Nigel Day. Many thanks to John Johnston for allowing use of his photos.
Waumbek almost ready....
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This photograph, taken in early May 2005, shows No.9 looking substantially complete. The loco should be out on test within a couple of weeks. |
July 2005
Once back in service No.9 settled back into reliable and efficient running with more useful data obtained and the enhancements made rapidly proving themselves.
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No.9 at the summit station. July 13 2005. © Nigel Day |
