The former Grand Truck Western 1918 USRA light Mikado (2-8-2) steam locomotive that was featured in the movie “The Natural” starring Robert Redford is currently undergoing restoration. The locomotive may be remembered as the one that ran originally on The Cuyahoga Valley Line as well as at Conneaut Lake Park.
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Recent progress on the restoration includes removing the studs from the drive cylinders and marking the grid lines on the smoke box for its’ upcoming ultrasonic testing. The individual contracted to perform the testing will also check the tram on the drivers and perform an inspection of the previously repaired crack in the frame after which we can make plans for any necessary repairs in those areas.
Volunteers have been working on polishing five spots within each marked grid on the fire box so the ultrasonic testing can be performed later this month.
Recently purchased by MRPS is an ultrasonic tester that will enable volunteers to perform testing of five spots in each marked grid. Two volunteers will work together to take readings and record them on a spreadsheet for evaluation.
Volunteers started taking ultrasound readings on the fire box yesterday. Two crews worked simultaneously to take readings and record them by grid and location for insertion into a spreadsheet for evaluation.
Steam consultant Dan Pluta paid a visit to Midwest earlier this month and along with MRPS representatives formulated a plan to weld repair the frame crack, continue with ultrasonic testing of the fire box and boiler, and decided on the approach for replacing the smoke box.
While plans are underway to schedule the repair of the frame crack, work continued on ultrasonic testing and outlining the grids on the boiler for testing also. A detail drawing is being created to form a new smoke box to replace the one still mounted on the locomotive.
4070’s oiler was disassembled for cleaning and inspection only to find the main gear in need of replacement having broken and chipped teeth. The gear was given to Bliel Machine for evaluation, and last weekend they delivered a brand new gear that fit like a glove. The oiler will now receive a thorough cleaning and be re-assembled. It will be put into storage until the locomotive is at a point where it will be re-installed.
Volunteers dis-assembled the oiler and began the task of giving the parts a thorough cleaning and inspection. Parts will be repaired and/or replaced as necessary to put the unit back into reliable working condition.
