The Rannoch Corporation
Focused on Steam Railroading

Locomotive #108 Major Restoration Tasks

On the other hand, the locomotive was known to require boiler work when it was taken out of service by the Conway Scenic in the late 80s.  And, prior to its acquisition by Conway Scenic in 1976, #108 was a working locomotive in daily service at the Reader Railroad in Arkansas, and prior to 1956, was a logging locomotive on the Angelina and Neches River RR near the town of Lufkin in East Texas.  During an operating lifetime of over sixty-five years, #108 has been repaired many times and accumulated its share of scars.  Not surprisingly, in the year 2000, we find that while #108 is in much better condition than the typical "park engine",  there are quite a few things we need to do to put her back into operation:

Smokebox

The entire smokebox shell and the annular ring at the front of the smokebox have eroded badly.  The smokebox has been patched numerous times, but apparently never replaced.  Now, the front and bottom areas of the smokebox shell, which started out 1/2" thick, have eroded to less than 1/4" thick in places.  More importantly, the reinforcing plate and most of the bolt heads securing the smokebox to the saddle casting underneath are badly eroded.  It is time for a complete smokebox replacement.  

Firebox

Over the years, the firebox boiler sheets have been patched numerous times.  Oddly, there has been more erosion at the front of the firebox, under the burner shelf, than in the parts of the firebox which are directly exposed to the flames.  We have not yet completed ultrasound testing of sheet thickness , but preliminary testing indicates that some additional sections of firebox sheets may need to be replaced. 

Boiler Shell

1. There is considerable buildup of scale which needs to be removed by blasting or needle scaling.
2. There are several broken and missing studs which need to be replaced  

Trailing Engine Truck

Engine Brake Rigging

Tender Water Tank

Air Compressor

Tubes and Flues

Driver Brass