First fire-up!

My good pal Phil Reader was in town on Thursday last week, and I decided it was high time to light a fire in the shay as it was close enough to being ready. I set up a small 2 gallon tank of diesel and lit her off.



The burner which came from the 2-spot at Billy Jones came to life and within seconds I had a nice fire going.



In about 30 minutes the needle was off the peg, and steam was building.



Another 30 minutes has passed. During this time about 1 gallon of fuel had been used and I had to top off the tank as I was loosing head pressure. I started using my home-brewed bio diesel.




The first safety is lifting at 125# psi. Everything looks good! I am working on my punch list and so far only 5 minor items to deal with.



Two of the three trucks are reconditioned and ready to re-install under the locomotive.

Here are a couple of videos of the first steam up. Thanks to Phil Reader for his help, encouragement and for having a camera ready!

The latest...

Well the Shay is progressing along, but at a slower pace due to work etc. All the major plumbing is done now. Air test has been done and the loco has passed with flying colors. Due to the warm weather, I took advantage Sunday to prep and paint the cab sheet metal parts. On Monday night I pre-fit the engineer's side and front. Soon the oil tank will be complete and I plan to fire it up and give the engine set a test at that time.



A new American Model Engineering Supply Mechanical Lubricator now installed.


View of the Back Head Plumbing.

On January 22nd, my wife Debbie and I headed to a little R&R at Disneyland Resort. It was a slow day at the park and we both got a ride in the cab of the #2 E.P. Ripley.



Fireman Curtis and I don't remember the Engineer's name. Sorry!



Over in the California Adventure Park, my wife took a picture of me with the WP F-7


Also at the shop, I have sold a 15" gauge Crown locomotive along with rail, rolling stock and other items. These are getting shipped to upstate New York in a few weeks so took advantage again of good weather to get them prepared.

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.