15 March 2011

Passing It On Steam Style

Calgary Alberta - Master mechanic still sharp as a tack when it comes to technical steam locomotives.
 
Every so often, most pieces of specialized equipment need maintenance. Case in point, we are currently knee deep into some specialized crosshead maintenance work on steam engine 2816. As the number of these historical locomotives dwindles over the years, so do the experts who are able to properly diagnose, repair, and overhaul these units.
 
While Jonathan Morris, process manager steam operations is well versed and knowledgeable about the intricacies of steam locomotives, he is quick to admit that, "this particular type of job is a delicate process and must be done perfectly. We want to have as much information as possible, especially when working on a steam locomotive of this size."
 
The job involves removing and renewing the bronze crosshead slippers that keep the locomotive crossheads centered between two large steel guide bars. The piston rod is also connected to this crosshead, so altering any dimensions can negatively affect the piston rod wear, piston packing wear, and abnormal cylinder bore wear.
 
This crosshead area is critical for harnessing the power of the steam locomotive, transferring power from the piston to the main rod and linking the valve motion together, making the locomotive move, essentially, the steam locomotive depends on the proper functioning of this system.
 
After two weeks of research through countless pages of old CPR maintenance books, Jonathan still had unanswered questions pertaining to this task.
 
"I knew exactly who to call for help," said Jon.
 
A familiar face at CP from 1947 to 1992, retiring as Master Mechanic Alberta Division, George Doerr was the last Master Mechanic ever licensed to set-up steam locomotives for high-speed passenger service in our Weston Shops in Winnipeg. This was a very specific skill set that carried with it tremendous responsibility. In those days, steam locomotives used to pull passenger trains on our system at 110 mph (yes, that's miles per hour)!
 
Since his retirement, George has occasionally dropped into the shop over the years and has always been eager to help.
 
During George's last visit, he worked together with Jon, answering all of his questions and providing clear direction on how to proceed. It was like he had just finished one of these projects before lunch!
 
"What makes George's visits so special is the fact that there are so few of these men left. Unfortunately, many of them have passed away, the few that are still with us have limited mobility or have trouble remembering the intricacies of steam engines," said Jon. "The fact that he's shared his knowledge with us inspires us to pass it on to others in the steam business."
 
Author unknown.