As the weather is finally starting to warm up here in Eastern Ohio, we pause to reflect back on our winter accomplishments.

Starting with the steam locomotives, several of the engines are receiving a cosmetic face lift to freshen up the painted surfaces, and to apply new coats of graphite to the smokebox and firebox areas. The side and main rods are being polished to remove any surface rust and the temporary metal protector paint that had been applied to protect them prior to being placed into a roundhouse stall.

Locomotive #33 is being fitted with a new auger to better move coal through its tender-mounted trough for delivery to the stoker and into the firebox. This new auger replaces the original LS&I auger that was worn-out as well as having a slight bend to it. Several areas on the old auger screw had been welded-up in order to repair cracks and porous sections in the steel when the old auger was originally cast.

Locomotive #1293 is receiving a set of new front-end throttle valves and valve seats. The throttle cam was removed for light repairs and inspection, too. Several new components were made for the cam shaft stuffing box and glands, as well. The Master Mechanic front- end cinder and baffle plates were replaced, and all other steel cinder shields were cut out and installed, along with new, steel, screen netting. Many small repairs and upgrades have also been addressed on #1293.

ALCO diesel model T-6 #400 received the better part of a new, wooden cab floor and a rebuilt water pump. Several small repairs were completed, and soon #400 will be de-winterized and used as a shop switcher along with EMD SW-1 #211.

The machine shop has been very busy during the past few months, with our working on the complete rebuilding of the Whiting Corporation 80-ton drop table. Most of the new parts have been delivered, and are currently being fitted-up for final installation. The electric screw-drive motor (for lifting) and the lateral-travel motor have been reconditioned. Repairs and manufacturing of parts for this unique, dual drop table have taken priority in order to have it completed and test-operational by this summer. This will allow us time to fine-tune its operation before we put it into service this fall.

In April a government surplus Rockford Slotter was purchased and delivered to the back shop. We are in the process of cleaning, leveling and mounting it to the floor in the machine shop. Even though it has seen little use, a few minor repairs and upgrades will be made to meet our needs and make this tool almost as good as new.
Not much has been scheduled for repairs to Age of Steam’s passenger equipment. The preventive maintenance program continues in order to provide protection from the elements. The tool car “Conneaut” is receiving small running repairs and a thorough interior cleaning, as well as an inventory of tools, spare parts and supplies.
We are planning to have several of our open-window cars repainted this year. They will remain in our standard Emron maroon color with yellow striping, trim and lettering.

The storehouse pallet racks have arrived and most have been assembled in rows. A small amount of the AoS inventory has found places on these shelves, with much more to be sorted and placed in the upcoming months. This job is being accomplished as we find extra time, or as the need to locate a particular part requires the unloading of the storage crates that were used when we moved out of the Morgan Run Shop. Once everything has been un-crated, sorted, inventoried and placed into their respective storage spaces on the shelves, then we will be able to quickly locate and easily remove any spare part that is needed.

The exterior storehouse grounds are very close to being completely organized for the sorting and storage of our outside parts inventory. Now when looking for a part one can go to a designated area and find it with ease. This includes track materials, rail wheels and numerous other items. Surplus or scrap materials have been identified and since removed.

In summary, we hope this gives you all an idea of the amount of work accomplished during the past 6 months. There’s plenty more to be done as most locomotive facilities will tell you.

We wish all of you well this year, and thank you for the many wonderful comments and suggestions that we have received through our Age of Steam Roundhouse website. These comments have not fallen on deaf ears. Although we can’t always answer them all, they all do get read and shared with Jerry.

Please keep all Service Members and Veterans in mind this coming Memorial Day in May, and thank them whenever you can. Have a safe summer, and our best wishes go out to all of you from everyone here at the Age of Steam Roundhouse.