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Projects

K-36 
Update 11/05/2002

Currently the Wednesday group ( Some times referred to as play group by our better halves) are tackling 7 1/4" gauge K36 from the Durango Rio Grande Railroad.

The model is approximately 7' long with a 12" diameter boiler. This engine has been completely striped down and rebuilt from the bottom due to the poor workmanship carried out by it's original builder.

The engine has never ran as it was incomplete at time of purchase. The engine now nears completion following the decision to call on some outside help to get the project moving along. Neal Simpkins has took the project on and carried out a lot of the work on the boiler and running gear which were proving difficult in home workshop environment. The engine is ready for it's first test steam which will happen as soon as the gauge glasses arrive. External features only remaining to be completed to finish the engine off. We hope to steam her over Christmas or early new year.

Good news the K36 is now complete and had it's successful first steam run yesterday. The engine looks absolutely fantastic in every detail. Everything went well with only a minor adjustment required to the blast pipe to get it steam a little better. She's absolute credit to Brett Roger's& Neil Simkins who have finished off this engine these past months.

The K36 has now successfully pulled passenger services during the last month. Minor modifications were required to the spring arrangement on the pony truck as this had a habit of climbing off the track. This has a single plunger spring arrangement and runs trouble free. Finishing off touches include canvas canopys on the side openings and arrangement of white flags that indicate the load being pulled in American practice.

The K36 will be traveling to Scotland later this year to meet with a sister K36 for 7 1/4 gauge AGM where I suspect plenty of double heading will under taken.