From John Ezovski

A major step forward occurred during this past week.  On Tuesday Mr.Tom Johnston, Bay City Boiler, and Don Micheletti, SP2472, visited the site to view SP2479's boiler.  This visit was in preparation of welding areas of 2479's boiler.

On Wednesday and Thursday, ten areas on course 2 and 3 of the boiler and firebox wrapper sheet were welded.  With this work complete, various components can be installed on the locomotive's frame and re-wheeling can take place.

Re-wheeling will probably take place the last week in October.  This is rather ironic as it was 15 years from this date that the wheels were removed!

The lead truck's bowl is now sitting upon the big turret lathe at the trolley barn.  The ring that was welded into place last week has been turned to allow the lead truck pedestal to fit within the bowl.

Work continues on the upper coupler pin hole.  Boring of this hole has been difficult.  Hopefully this task will be completed this coming Saturday.

Consolidation of materials at the site continues.  Ties that have been scattered about the site were collected, bundled, banded and stacked. A crew has begun to move rail located at the east end of the "pile" to an area in the new site.