Project 1225

March 2012 Rebuild Status

sri — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:52:55 +0000

Since my last report, it has been busy in the Steam Railroading Institute back shop, with the work on our cars to the contract work we are doing. Work has been moving along very well on PM 1225. We have the jacketing off and 75% of the boiler has been cleaned and inspected to include a primer coat of paint. The rear tube sheet has been removed and we are waiting for the new one to be formed and shipped back to SRI.

Also, the door sheet has been taken out and the fireman side sheet removed. The new side sheet has been fabricated and all staybolt holes have been drilled and are ready for installation. We hope to install it sometime in April. We have about 50% of the new cab floor completed. SRI’s machine shop was installed and is operating and making new parts for the locomotive. The biggest tasks t is gun drilling all the flexible staybolts and making the new boiler studs for the locomotive. The biggest task SRI has taken is that we have turned the corner with the rebuild, and we are beginning to re-assemble parts have taken off.

Other projects happening in the shop are entailing the coaches we own. We have been replacing the toilets with available parts. We have also been going thru and repairing a lot of the little technical issues that show up. We are currently changing out and rebuilding the traps on the cars. All of these tasks are preventative maintenance so when the engine rolls out of the shop the cars will be in just as good of condition.

The shop is open to everyone that may want to volunteer from Wednesday thru Sunday, 9am to 5 pm. You also can follow our progress on our Steam Railroading Institute Facebook page.

Kevin Mayer,

Chief Mechanical Officer

Video: First Steps

sri — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:07:10 +0000

First Steps

The Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan takes its first steps in rebuilding Pere Marquette steam locomotive no. 1225 and help nearby Baker College give its students new hands on experience for the workplace.

Work Sessions Continue

sri — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:01:26 +0000

Work sessions continue on #1225. This weekend, more of the jacketing was removed, as well as the throttle linkage assembly,and other cab/ backhead items. We are beginning to look at bids for various elements of the project as well, including the firebox, syphons, boilerwork, and other items.

Sandblasting on Boiler interior completed

sri — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:56:38 +0000

Several things have happened since the last posting, including the sandblasting of boiler interior and ultra-sounding of the firebox interior. Also, the front tube sheet has had all tubes ends removed as well. We hope to have pictures up in regards to this soon.

Also – please check back on the website for details on our campaign for SRI and 1225. To date, nearly $50,000.00 has been raised towards the rebuild!

Sincerely,

TJ Gaffney

North American Railway Foundation awards Project 1225/ SRI 30 K Grant

sri — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:34:19 +0000

The North American Railway Foundation has awarded MSTRP/ SRI a $30,000 towards our staybolt portion of the rebuild. To be done in conjunction with Baker College, this portion of the project truly allows the Institute to use these funds in educating the public about the history surrounding the techonology of the steam locomotive. SRI greatly thanks NARF for their support.

This is a great moment for SRI and Project 1225 — but it is only a start. Come, join with NARF and help us reach our goal of reaching our goal to match our recently announced Conditional Commitment to Transportation Enhancement Grant for 1225 to be administered through MDOT. Every donation helps!

PM #1225 – Flues and Tube Removal at halfway point

sri — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:24:17 +0000

This past weekend, 55 more tubes were removed, putting us roughly the halfway point. This coming weekend we will continue removal of flues. If your available, feel free to come join us as member and come help.

Update June 1st

sri — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:57:46 +0000

Bill Byers works on Gridding Firebox

Steve Knapp Works on the Smokebox.

sri — Sun, 23 May 2010 16:04:25 +0000

Rich Hodges begins the task of ultrasounding the firebox side sheets.

Rob Gruich helps grid out firebox.