#NCRy #SteamLocomotive #HistoricPreservation #SouthernPacific1744
Here's something you don't see every day...
For this SP 1744 update from Niles Canyon, we were invited to document the removal of two tires from the third of three axles off the Southern Pacific 2-6-0, No. 1744, that the Niles Canyon Railway acquired in 2020. To accomplish this task, the steam department at the NCRy had to construct something called a Ring of Fire.
This device directs dozens of propane jets onto the circumference of the driver's tire, which is held on strictly by friction. This heating effect expands the tire to the point where it can be removed. Once the tire is heated to about 400°F, it can be knocked off the driver with sledge hammers.
With the tires off, the wheels will be turned on a massive lathe at the California State Railroad Museum shops in Sacramento to ensure they are perfectly round for the new tires which will be installed in a similar fashion after they are fabricated.
One important aspect of doing this kind of job fully and correctly while the locomotive is apart, is that it ensures a long service life for the future. Chances are that this procedure will not have to be done again for many decades to come.
www.ncry.org
www.ncry.org/about/collection/steam/sp1744/
Help us create the content you love by supporting TSG Multimedia on Patreon!
www.patreon.com/tsgmultimedia
Get TSG branded merchandise here:
teespring.com/stores/tsg-multimedia-swag
Please share: If you enjoy this content, please hit the "like" button and share it with your friends on social media!
You can join TSG Multimedia on these other social media channels:
FaceBook: tsgmultimediaface/
Twitter: TSGMultimedia
©2021 TSG Multimedia. All Rights Reserved.