On January 19 the area in and around History San Jose took a number of lightning strikes that include the Power Substation.

PG&E repaired their damage quickly and confirmed that we have 480 VAC to the substation.

After two visits from Cupertino Electric (pro bono), we have identified and repaired several blown components.

The next item that is suspect is a “Type 76 DC Overcurrent”.  It has been returned to the manufacturer for repair.  Expected return will not be known until they test it on 2/8 (or so).

The area we are focusing on is the controls, which are not well protected from incoming AC problems.

The substation was installed in 1987.

Challenging us is the fact that most electricians have limited skill in the area of DC controls.

Some Historic Transportation Experience (HTE) classes are being held without the trolley operating, but until we have power, that is the best we can do.  The present outlook for return of service is early March and that is just a guess at this time.

J Ezovski

There has been some progress on 2479 the past several months.  All components of the valve gear have been removed from the locomotive and a close inspection of these components is under way.  A bushing was removed from the front coupler.  Measurements indicated that the coupler's pin hole had to be bored before a new bushing could be inserted.  Boring of the coupler is complete, and a bushing has been machined. A new front coupler pin has also been machined.

All bushings in the main and side rods have been removed.  Measurements showed that the bore's were round but the bore's for the main driver pin in the main and front side rods have significant pitting.  Boring of these holes is necessary but is outside of our machining capabilities.  Oakland Machine Works has been contacted and has agreed to perform this work.  The rods will be delivered to Oakland Machine Works this coming week.

Weather has also slowed work on 1215.  Painting of the tender was completed only days before the season's first rain.  A few parts have been returned to the locomotive but inclement weather has stopped additional work.  Parts are still being cleaned, painted and stored until weather improves.  The severely corroded cab floor on the fireman's side of the locomotive has been cut out.  The first replacement section has been cut and fitted, but again poor weather has prevented further progress.

On Monday January 25, 2010, CTRC leadership met with San Jose District 7 Councilwoman Madison Nguyen to discuss a potential museum location near Kelley Park.  Click here for more information about the museum location.

Situated between two city owned parcels, Municipal Stadium and the main city corporation yard, the privately owned 5 acre site is located across Senter Road from History San Jose at the south end of Kelley Park.

Because of their importance to San Jose’s industrial heritage, both the roundhouse and turntable had been previously designated city historical landmarks.

This selected museum location would enable complimentary programming activities with existing relocated city landmarks at History San Jose.

Plans are underway to enlist the fiscal and political support to protect the property and eventually fund the project.

Click here to read the museum proposal.  (note, it is a 5Mbyte, file that could take a few moments to download.)

J Ezovski

Progress on 2479 has been slowed the past several months because of the magnitude of the tasks ahead that are outside our machine's capabilities and funds, but it has been a very busy year.  Below are listed most of our major accomplishments.  Many of these "one line" items were the cause of a good number of sore arms and backs.

Restoration Site Move

• Repair and level three 30 foot sections of track for 2479 to rest upon during remainder of repairs.
• Roll locomotive from old site to new.
• Relocate, install and repair the 24 X 28 outdoor shop cover.
• Move third of three containers.
• Relocate air compressor shed.
• Place double wide trailer on concrete piers and remove tires.
• Repair damaged Clark forklift drop gear shaft.
• Connect electrical to all containers, outdoor shop equipment, double wide and track side electrical panel.
• Connect compressed air lines to outdoor shop and track side electrical panel.
• Construct new secure enclosure to replace lost storage space at old site.
• Repair stairs used to access locomotive cab deck.

SP2479

• Paint and install all brake components from brake cylinders to brake shoes.
• Make two brake rod safety supports to replace missing components.
• Remove and install both brake cylinders for purpose of replacing rubber brake cylinder seal.
• Remove both steam distribution valves for inspection and repair.
• Remove damaged left steam distribution valve cage.
• Begin re-bushing front coupler pin hole.

SP1215

In May, cosmetic restoration of the exterior of locomotive and tender began.  To the right is an image of the locomotive's appearance in May.

Below is an image is the locomotive today.

Over 800 hours has been placed into this effort and there is still much to be accomplished.

Looking Forward

Without a major infusion of funds, there is little chance of 2479 seeing steam in 2010.  If we can have another good year, things might be very different in 2011.

Larry Murchison

The locomotive is starting to look pretty sharp.  The Tuesday volunteers have been cleaning and painting various parts and assemblies as well as adding print nomenclature to the cab and tender.  You would be surprised when comparing before and after photos.  It’s amazing what three to five volunteers can do when they put their hearts into the project under the guidance of John Ezovski.

Since the last report the left side valve and running gear parts have been reassembled to the locomotive and have been cleaned and polished.  The tender is almost completely repainted and print information has been added to the rear and right side.  Various hand rails and the accent lines along the walkway edges have been painted white on the locomotive and tender.

Remaining work involves finish painting the top and left side of the tender above the walkway, creating new walking boards for the top of the tender, adding SOUTHERN PACIFIC LINES to the left side of the tender plus the tender weight information, cleaning and polishing all the running and valve gear on the right side of the locomotive.  There are a lot of parts that were removed from locomotive and tender before various moves that need to be cleaned, painted and replaced.

Please check out the "Photos/1215 Photos/Restoration Progress" for more photos of the volunteer’s efforts.  Also the article below shows some "BEFORE" pictures.