J. Ezovski

Absence of several key workers has not hampered progress.  All of the necessary hardware needed to attempt extraction of the left front valve cage is complete.

Machining of the front plate, the final component, was completed today.  The plate had to be cut to size and holes drilled to accept threaded rod.

All components were then assembled in the valve cage.

An attempt was made to extract the valve cage, but the day's late hour forced this task to next weekend.  Hopefully an image of an intact valve cage will be forwarded to all.

A second crew was busy cleaning and polishing the locomotive's radius rods and combination levers.  Layers of paint are carefully removed and the surface polished. Thanks to Ron and Phil for taking on this time consuming task.

The Tuesday crew continues to make progress on SP 1215. Near all of the left side of the boiler and frame have been cleaned and painted. Work has begun on the locomotive's right side.  The locomotive end of the tender has also been cleaned and paint applied. Much work remains.

Thanks to all that participated!