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The image right centre shows the stud caps tack welded on the inner/waterside of the boiler that replaces doubler plates for mounting equipment on the boiler.
The re-build begins with disassembly.
Then, a survey of salvageable components, followed by repair or recreation, painting and then fitting and assembly.
Due to many "field level" repairs over her history, parts that were broken or damaged had been cobbled together from a variety of sources to "make do". The restauration became more of a re-build. The smoke box door, firebox door, smokestack, main axles, pinion gears, steering column, front wheel spokes, axle and mud ring, clutch shoes, all steam rated valves, steam and water lines were cast or newly fabricated.
Assembly of a "rebuild" will require the patient assembly, disassembly and reassembly until an operating fit is achieved.
STEAM SPIRIT's smokestack and jacket had been lost long ago. A new stack was scaled after the 68 HP Sawyer & Massey with "optional" diamond cap & ash collector.
Almost Lost
Some skills like re-spoking and balancing the wheels under tension and compression.
Fortunately the piston, rings and main cylinder were in good repair and condition as well as the valve gear. The rods required refinishing or replacement.
The engine alignment was accomplished with a torpedo laser that could be gauged along the length of the boiler/firebox and allowed for rotating the crankshaft without interruption.
STEAM SPIRIT ran successfully under compressed air for the first time in April 2018.
STEAM SPIRIT ran successfully under her own steam for the first time after nearly a half a century of silence on May 5, 2018.
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