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Latest Update on Number 7

November 3, 2020

The rebuild on a 1929 Baldwin 2-8-2T steam locomotive, better known as Number 7, in the City of Port Alberni continues after the Boilermakers who have been volunteering their time took the summer off to enjoy a Vancouver Island summer.

The work started up again in early September with the installation of the superheater tubes. After that, the fire brick in the firebox was redone due to the fuel for Number 7 being converted to burn diesel instead of Bunker "C" fuel. The smokebox cover was put back on for the first time since the project started two years ago.

Barry Dobrensky (Right) and Brent Pennington in the smokebox installing the superheater tubes

Barry Dobrensky (right) and Brent Pennington in the smokebox installing the superheater tubes

In the foreground Rocky Roxbrough is on the ground, ready to pass in the next superheater tubes, with IHS member Bert Simpson

Some of the finishing work required will include the lagging to be reinstalled, all of the plumbing to be re-connected in the engine cab, and the saddle (water) tank to be lifted back over the boiler.

The firebox was rebricked due to the fuel change

The firebox was rebricked due to the fuel change

Barry Dobrensky and Tim Murphy preparing to install the smokebox cover

On October 29th the boiler was fired up and after inspection and repair of some small leaks, the boiler inspector will be called for a final test.

Barry Dobrensky tightening the clips on the smoke box cover, the first time in two years since the cover was taken off for the rebuild

Barry Dobrensky tightening the clips on the smoke box cover, the first time in two years since the cover was taken off for the rebuild

Update November 10, 2020:

On Tuesday November 3, before the boiler inspector arrived, the Boilermakers made some modifications to the firebox and dealt with leaks revealed in the October 29 test. On Wednesday they fired up the boiler again and it checked out fine. On Thursday the boiler inspector came for the test and all went well. The inspector has approved the work.

Congratulations to all the Boilermakers, Western Vancouver Industrial Heritage Society and the City of Port Alberni on the success of the inspection.