Wab794 Restoration Progress - 2004 Boiler Repairs

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When the boiler was inspected six years ago it found the boiler's existing conditon would allow us to run it for about 2 seasons before any tubes would require replacement.

The testing phase of the locomotive used one season and we got another season in 2003. And thus it has come time to retube the boiler in order to get reliable and dependable operation out of the steam locomotive.

These photos below show the many stages required to retube a boiler.

	20th October 2004 We removed the sniffer valves and blew out the super heater tubes, this cleared out rust and dirt from the tubes so it does not go thru the engine units.
	October 2004 During October 2004 all the cab fittings have been reinstalled. This includes the steam pipes, lubricator pipes, the complete braking system. The braking system has been tested for leaks and more tests will continue to ensure that all is within code. The Wab has also been steam tested and all appears to be working well.
	11th September 2004 Using the society's ganty crane to fit the the water tanks back on the Wab.
	11th September 2004 Lifting the second tank back on.
	4th September 2004 The new brick arch is now installed a task carried out by our own staff. The bricks were made in Huntly.
	21st July 2004 New stainless steel sheeting has been made.
	28th June 2004 A hydraulic was performed and passed after a few minor leaks were repaired. Once the loco was steam tested successfully, work began installing the new sheeting and installing a new brick arch.
	8th May 2004 In the smoke box end a tool is used to expand the tubes to give a steam tight seal. A hydraulic was performed and passed after a few minor leaks were repaired. Once the loco was steam tested successfully, work began installing the new sheeting and installing a new brick arch.
	3rd May 2004 Certified welder welding the tubes in at the firebox end.
	17th April 2004 Installing the tubes into the boiler.
	24th April 2004 We have purchased new tubes. The smoke box end needs to be pressed smaller to fit into the tube plate.
	2nd April 2004 Welding the crack.
	2nd April 2004 Preparing crack for welding.
	2nd April 2004 Firstly the crack needs to drilled and prepared for welding.
	21st February 2004 One of the cracks repaired in 1998. It was welded from the outside only.
	21st February 2004 While we were inside the boiler we carefully inspected the extra row of stays for cracks from the inside. We did found a couple, a photo above shows the crack being repaired.
	21st February 2004 Once the tubes were removed we can then get into the boiler. This shows Mike Higgie attempting to climb out of the boiler through the steam dome. Its a very tight fit.
	14th February 2004 Inside the boiler. The scale came off the tubes when they were removed from the boiler.
	4th February 2004 Tube plate showing the removed tubes.
	4th February 2004 Removing the orginal tubes. Notice the steps made to allow easy access into the smoke box.
	28 Janurary 2004 Mike Barnes grinding back the welds on the tubes.
	28 January 2004 Removing the smoke box door.
	13 December 2003 The Wab stripped back to the boiler.
	22 November 2003 Removing the sand domes and lagging.
	19 November 2003 Removing the water tanks.

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