Restoring Old Rube
An as-it-happens journey to restore a large old narrow gauge US 7.25” gauge locomotive that was a regular passenger hauler in its heyday from its completion in the 1980’s but is now in need of some sympathetic restoration as a tribute to its original owner and builder. The size and weight of the locomotive presented a challenge to a new owner, whose main experience is in building 5” and 7.25” locomotives of more conventional size.
- Part 1 initial overview
- Part 2 Initial examination
- Part 3 removing the boiler
- Part 4 Dismantling the motion
- Part 5 Dismantling the pistons and ashpan
- Part 6 Dismantling the chassis components
- Part 7, Cleaning and wheel turning
- Part 8, More wheel turning
- Part 9, More wheel work
- Part 10, Springing
- Part 11, More springing
- Part 12, Bogie and cylinder preparation
- Part 13,chassis and wheels
- Part 14, wheels continued
- Part 15, chassis continued
- Part 16, connecting rods
- Part 17, braking parts
- Part 18, cylinders
- Part 19, Drain cocks and tender
- Part 20, Lubricator
- Part 21, Chassis, bits and pieces
- Part 22, Chassis, more bits and pieces
- Part 23, the tender
- Part 24, air brakes
- Part 25, bogies and fittings