This Old Shay...more progress

Well today got out in the shop for a couple hours and finished installing the fire pan and burner assembly. I used some threaded rod to slowly raise up the pan after installing the brick work. It was too heavy to lift by hand.


The pan is just a few inches from being in place.

Next I plumbed up the fuel and atomizer lines.



I also finished up the front end with the exhaust nozzle and blower pipe. In the rear of the smokebox you can see the flexible sealant I used to make sure there are no leaks to provide a good draft. I don't know how this loco steamed before with so much daylight coming inside.



I have also started on the backhead tray for the oil cans to go or perhaps a place to cook on...



Until next time...

Why is this man so happy?

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IRON HORSE CHEF

The pitch for a pilot show on the Food Network.

Happy New Year... almost

Hey all, more work done on the plumbing as seen in these shots.
Also finished up the firepan and burner.
The burner has a history as it came from the Billy Jones & Wildcat #2.
More in '09 when I get back from LA.
Have a good one and stay safe!






Atomizer and Fuel Line with cleanout valve mounted.

Damper for firepan.

BJ&W 2 spot burner mounted with fire brick lined pan.

Shay Update

Well its been a busy week even with the cold rainy weather. The backhead on the shay has been re-plumbed. On the fireman's side I placed the 3/8 Penberthy injector. On the engineer's side I placed a #16 lifting injector from Macc Engineering. This is currently the largest one they make for 3/8 tube. It should work very well for this engine. Also installed a 1" extended stem ball valve for use as a blow down. Still waiting on the new pressure gauge and a hydrostatic lubricator. I fitted up the cab parts to check for clearances. Next week I will be working on the firepan and burner set up in the firebox.

Merry Christmas to all...

And a happy New Year! Things just gotta get better, right?

Well last weekend was spent over at the Hillcrest and Wahtoke in Reedley. Arrival on Saturday PM to get ready for the annual PJ party where yours truly put on the suit and did the Santa gig for 200+ patrons and guests.

Sunday was the last run day of the operating season so I was on the call board. The reliable and favorite Glenwood #13 was fired up only to find some parts to the valve gear linkage missing from the previous nights run. So had to throw a fire in the Glenwood #5. After fighting the air pump and getting it past the threshold of thermal expansion, she came alive and ran well for the last half of 15 runs that day. We hauled over 225 paying customers on the railroad, which is not bad for the last day. Hillcrest is a Christmas Tree Farm and all the pre-cuts were sold out already and the choose & cut were limited. I think two trees were sold that day.



In the afternoon, I had some friends show up and even some that I did not expect. The Crouch's and Estep's from Fresno all came out to ride. Here I am with Dave C. and Ron E. Boy am I short or what!



Earlier an old high school classmate of mine stopped by. Harry Salvini and his wife Kathy from Grass Valley.



And someone else who came out to ride with me on the locomotive... my wife Debbie! It is a rare occasion when she gets out of the house and comes with me to these events etc. She had fun. Thanks to Dave and Belle Kope of the Hillcrest Gang for putting us up in the "Badger Den"! Also to Sean and Melissa Bautista the owners of Hillcrest for having such a wonderful place to come to and allow me to run this fine equipment. And I cannot forget Butch, the KING OF CORNDOGS, who makes them special for me using my vegetarian links. He sent us home with a dozen or more. Thanks Butch you're the best!



Last week, I finished getting the rest of the 15" gauge stuff over the hill from Campbell. Here is the Crown being loaded.



Our motley crew consisting of Edgar Nuno, my youngest Jeremy poking his head through the window, and Bryce Reynolds.



Back at Soquel after a pressure wash.



Shay update on Friday with pictures of the progress! Until then...

Oh NO! What have I gotten myself into now...

Well I up and did it. Yup. Just like my wife predicted. The madness grew larger this week with the purchase of some 15" gauge steam locomotives, rolling stock, rail and other pieces. I started hauling it on Monday and by Wednesday had most of the collection here. Some of the pieces were located about 7 miles up the road at a private retreat center. The rest came from Campbell. So just what did I get? See for yourselves...


A 3" scale 15" gauge 3 truck Shay.



Trailer loads of stuff...


Here is my assistant Edgar helping me load up over 4000 feet of rail and switches.


Trucks and wheel sets.

Anyhow after getting the shay in the shop (no easy task due to its weight) I began the process of stripping it down for further inspection and to begin its process of restoration back to operation. I will give a history of this locomotive soon and you will be able to follow the progress here on the blog.



This coming week I have one more steam locomotive to move (a Crown 4-4-0) along with some other misc. stuff. I will post pictures on those soon. Hey just remember my motto, "Its all FOR SALE!"