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New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society
Date: 8 May 2010
Subject: Restoration of 2926
Subject: General Meeting
Call to Order: 9:00 AM
OLD BUSINESS:
Call to Order: President Mike Hartshorne called the April General Membership meeting to order at 9:00 AM May 8, 2010 at the restoration site. Mike reported that the BoD had just finished meeting for breakfast prior to this meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Ernie Robart had previously e-mailed the May Treasurer’s Report to the Board. Ernie reported the checking account had a beginning balance on April 10th, 2010 of $13,845.45 and an ending balance on May 8th of $20,190.87. Deposits for the period totaled $21,978.44, the majority of which was a $20,000 transfer from savings. Expenses were $21,978.44, the largest of which was $4,586.40 to pay the balance on locomotive super-heater bands, a $4,265.00 progress payment on the annual audit, $2,228.00 for crack repairs in one of the two steam driven cross-compound air compressors, plus shipping costs, and $1,800.00 for grinding of the large & small shafts for the same loco air compressor. The ending balance in the savings account (including $1.23 interest) was $20,119.55. The reduction from April was due to a $20,000 transfer to checking. There was $50.00 in petty cash yielding total cash assets of $40,360.32 as of ay 8th, 2010. Frank Gerstle moved and Steve Bradford seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
Safety Officer’s Report: Jon Spargo reported a New Member Orientation was conducted on Saturday, April 24, 2010. While many were invited, only two showed up: Aaron Gaskins and Mark McAnelly. They are now authorized workers. The next training session will be in early June on either the 5th or the 12th. At that time we will combine and have two sessions. The first will be another Annual Safety Review Session followed by the second of our Worksite Safety Supervisor Sessions (invitation only). We are also working on having a mass safety briefing for the union guys of local 412, plumbers and pipe fitters. These are the gents who will be assisting us with flue and tube welding. By briefing all of them we can qualify a bunch of guys so whoever they send will be up to speed with our safety rules. Steve Bradford moved and Rick Kirby seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
CMO Report:
1. Superheater Return Bends: Rick Kirby reported that work is progressing on ordering the remaining parts for rebuilding the superheater units. A search has been underway for a supplier for superheater return bends. Strasburg Railroad’s latest bid has a unit cost of $67.50 for each return end casting. This is a much higher unit cost than their first bid that was for a larger number at $47/each. The higher unit cost is due to the fact that their second estimate was based on a much smaller number (220) of castings and there are fixed, set-up costs that have to be included in any order, regardless of size. Rick recommended that the BoD consider approving Strasburg’s bid because they have a good, solid history of steam locomotive work and we are likely to do further business with them. The cost for 220 would be $14,850 plus about $1,000-1,500 for shipping. Rick explained that at its meeting before the General Membership meeting, the BoD had authorized him the BoD Rick authorized Rick to purchase the necessary return bends from Strasburg using up to $15,000 donated to the Society for that purpose by long-time member, and past-President Frank Gerstle.
2. Superheater Return Bends: Rick also reported that decisions are near on the choice or staybolt type and material supplier. Well over 250 fixed staybolts will be removed as part of the process of replacing a large section of the fireman’s side boiler wrapper sheet. Traditional, threaded stay bolts can be used requiring tapping and threading. However, since end of steam in the 1950’s, welded stay rods have become practical and an accepted practice for boiler use. Stay rods are less manpower intensive to install and maintain.
3. Threaded Staybolts vs. Welded Stay Rods: As a follow-up to the visit to the Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) by Rick and Dave Traudt and technical advice from GCR Chief Mechanical Officer Sam Lanter, Rick said he and Bob DeGroft have done a lot of research on the pros and con’s of rod vs. bolt. Use of stay rods will give a full penetration weld and be better for later testing, than the traditional threaded bolts. Based on their investigation, he and Bob believe using stay rods would be best. Rick thanked Clem Harris, Sam Lanter, and Kelly Anderson from the Strasburg Railroad for their assistance in doing this research. Rick said he and Bob have forwarded the results of their research to our FRA inspector to get his opinion and see if the Society could be allowed to use stay rods. Rick said he and Bob have also identified a source of suitable rod material in 20+ foot sections at a good price. It is surplus and is the remaining rod material used in the rebuilding of Union Pacific #844, a rebuild that included fabrication of an all-new firebox and replacement of all staybolts. There is 500 feet of rod available at $22/foot. To make the 250 bolts needed for the sheet replacement would use about 166 feet of rod. Rick said that there would undoubtedly be more staybolts replaced elsewhere in the boiler so the Society will need more than just 166 feet of rod, but not all 500 feet. Rick said he and Bob would contact other steam operators to see if any would be willing to buy the rod we don’t use. Rick said that at the earlier BoD meeting the board had authorized him by up to 500 feet on stay bolt rod material at $22/foot.
4. Work Schedules: Rick reminded everyone that summer work hours are in effect and the work sessions begin at 0730, except on the second Saturday of each month when the monthly meeting takes place. Start dates on the second Saturday of each month will be at 0900. Finally, because of lack of attendance further Monday work sessions have been cancelled for now.
Mike Hartshorne added that high temperature/high pressure packing material for the air compressors has been supplied by Garlock. . . .thanks to them!
Steve Bradford moved and Clem Harris seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
Fundraising Committee Report: Ed Strebe reported that distribution of rack cards is starting to have an impact in terms of increased visitors coming by the site. One new member has signed up after being attracted by a rack card. Ed stressed the need to have all visitors sign in on the Visitor’s Log. Ed also reported that the committee has devised an installment plan for the purchase of flue tubes. Regarding presentations and outreach, Ed reported that a presentation was made to the ACVB staff 20 April by Bob DeGroft. Ed said that Jon Spargo is still pursuing getting an article into the BNSF magazine to publicize the restoration effort to BNSF employees. Also, Jon Spargo made a presentation to the Socorro Historical Society on 24 April. He is also working on doing a presentation in Las Cruces and White Sands for 7 June. He and Doyle Caton are developing a joint Hatch and Deming presentation for 8 June. Ernie Robart moved and Rick Kirby seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
Elections Committee: Doyle Caton reported that nominations for the annual election must be in by 15 May, for the two BoD seats open in this year’s election. Ballots will be posted on the website and can be downloaded, printed and mailed in. Anyone on the committee can receive completed ballots. Hard copy ballots will be mailed out by snail mail by 1 June. There is also a ballot box at the restoration site. Completed ballots must be mailed in received by 1 July in order to be counted. Votes will be tallied and the winners announced at the Annual Meeting on 10 July.
By Laws Revision: Mike Hartshorne explained that the process to revise the By Laws is now in the home stretch. He thanked everyone for participating in the “constitutional convention” held at his house on the 17th of May. The purpose of this “off-site” meeting was to allow the board members to review an excellent draft revision of the By Laws developed by Clem Harris. This revised draft was reviewed line by line by the participating board members. Numerous corrections and changes were made to that draft. Frank Gerstle is using these corrections and changes to update Clem’s draft and produce a second draft. This second iteration will be emailed to all BoD members, for their review prior to a second shorter off-site meeting to be held at Rick Kirby’s house on 15 May to finalize this draft and conclude the revision process.
NEW BUSINESS:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting: The next Membership Meeting will be held at 9:00 AM June 12th, 2010 at the restoration site.
New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society
Date: 8 May 2010
Subject: Restoration of 2926
Subject: General Meeting
Call to Order: 9:00 AM
OLD BUSINESS:
Call to Order: President Mike Hartshorne called the April General Membership meeting to order at 9:00 AM May 8, 2010 at the restoration site. Mike reported that the BoD had just finished meeting for breakfast prior to this meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Ernie Robart had previously e-mailed the May Treasurer’s Report to the Board. Ernie reported the checking account had a beginning balance on April 10th, 2010 of $13,845.45 and an ending balance on May 8th of $20,190.87. Deposits for the period totaled $21,978.44, the majority of which was a $20,000 transfer from savings. Expenses were $21,978.44, the largest of which was $4,586.40 to pay the balance on locomotive super-heater bands, a $4,265.00 progress payment on the annual audit, $2,228.00 for crack repairs in one of the two steam driven cross-compound air compressors, plus shipping costs, and $1,800.00 for grinding of the large & small shafts for the same loco air compressor. The ending balance in the savings account (including $1.23 interest) was $20,119.55. The reduction from April was due to a $20,000 transfer to checking. There was $50.00 in petty cash yielding total cash assets of $40,360.32 as of ay 8th, 2010. Frank Gerstle moved and Steve Bradford seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
Safety Officer’s Report: Jon Spargo reported a New Member Orientation was conducted on Saturday, April 24, 2010. While many were invited, only two showed up: Aaron Gaskins and Mark McAnelly. They are now authorized workers. The next training session will be in early June on either the 5th or the 12th. At that time we will combine and have two sessions. The first will be another Annual Safety Review Session followed by the second of our Worksite Safety Supervisor Sessions (invitation only). We are also working on having a mass safety briefing for the union guys of local 412, plumbers and pipe fitters. These are the gents who will be assisting us with flue and tube welding. By briefing all of them we can qualify a bunch of guys so whoever they send will be up to speed with our safety rules. Steve Bradford moved and Rick Kirby seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
CMO Report:
1. Superheater Return Bends: Rick Kirby reported that work is progressing on ordering the remaining parts for rebuilding the superheater units. A search has been underway for a supplier for superheater return bends. Strasburg Railroad’s latest bid has a unit cost of $67.50 for each return end casting. This is a much higher unit cost than their first bid that was for a larger number at $47/each. The higher unit cost is due to the fact that their second estimate was based on a much smaller number (220) of castings and there are fixed, set-up costs that have to be included in any order, regardless of size. Rick recommended that the BoD consider approving Strasburg’s bid because they have a good, solid history of steam locomotive work and we are likely to do further business with them. The cost for 220 would be $14,850 plus about $1,000-1,500 for shipping. Rick explained that at its meeting before the General Membership meeting, the BoD had authorized him the BoD Rick authorized Rick to purchase the necessary return bends from Strasburg using up to $15,000 donated to the Society for that purpose by long-time member, and past-President Frank Gerstle.
2. Superheater Return Bends: Rick also reported that decisions are near on the choice or staybolt type and material supplier. Well over 250 fixed staybolts will be removed as part of the process of replacing a large section of the fireman’s side boiler wrapper sheet. Traditional, threaded stay bolts can be used requiring tapping and threading. However, since end of steam in the 1950’s, welded stay rods have become practical and an accepted practice for boiler use. Stay rods are less manpower intensive to install and maintain.
3. Threaded Staybolts vs. Welded Stay Rods: As a follow-up to the visit to the Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) by Rick and Dave Traudt and technical advice from GCR Chief Mechanical Officer Sam Lanter, Rick said he and Bob DeGroft have done a lot of research on the pros and con’s of rod vs. bolt. Use of stay rods will give a full penetration weld and be better for later testing, than the traditional threaded bolts. Based on their investigation, he and Bob believe using stay rods would be best. Rick thanked Clem Harris, Sam Lanter, and Kelly Anderson from the Strasburg Railroad for their assistance in doing this research. Rick said he and Bob have forwarded the results of their research to our FRA inspector to get his opinion and see if the Society could be allowed to use stay rods. Rick said he and Bob have also identified a source of suitable rod material in 20+ foot sections at a good price. It is surplus and is the remaining rod material used in the rebuilding of Union Pacific #844, a rebuild that included fabrication of an all-new firebox and replacement of all staybolts. There is 500 feet of rod available at $22/foot. To make the 250 bolts needed for the sheet replacement would use about 166 feet of rod. Rick said that there would undoubtedly be more staybolts replaced elsewhere in the boiler so the Society will need more than just 166 feet of rod, but not all 500 feet. Rick said he and Bob would contact other steam operators to see if any would be willing to buy the rod we don’t use. Rick said that at the earlier BoD meeting the board had authorized him by up to 500 feet on stay bolt rod material at $22/foot.
4. Work Schedules: Rick reminded everyone that summer work hours are in effect and the work sessions begin at 0730, except on the second Saturday of each month when the monthly meeting takes place. Start dates on the second Saturday of each month will be at 0900. Finally, because of lack of attendance further Monday work sessions have been cancelled for now.
Mike Hartshorne added that high temperature/high pressure packing material for the air compressors has been supplied by Garlock. . . .thanks to them!
Steve Bradford moved and Clem Harris seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
Fundraising Committee Report: Ed Strebe reported that distribution of rack cards is starting to have an impact in terms of increased visitors coming by the site. One new member has signed up after being attracted by a rack card. Ed stressed the need to have all visitors sign in on the Visitor’s Log. Ed also reported that the committee has devised an installment plan for the purchase of flue tubes. Regarding presentations and outreach, Ed reported that a presentation was made to the ACVB staff 20 April by Bob DeGroft. Ed said that Jon Spargo is still pursuing getting an article into the BNSF magazine to publicize the restoration effort to BNSF employees. Also, Jon Spargo made a presentation to the Socorro Historical Society on 24 April. He is also working on doing a presentation in Las Cruces and White Sands for 7 June. He and Doyle Caton are developing a joint Hatch and Deming presentation for 8 June. Ernie Robart moved and Rick Kirby seconded a motion to accept the report, which was approved by voice vote.
Elections Committee: Doyle Caton reported that nominations for the annual election must be in by 15 May, for the two BoD seats open in this year’s election. Ballots will be posted on the website and can be downloaded, printed and mailed in. Anyone on the committee can receive completed ballots. Hard copy ballots will be mailed out by snail mail by 1 June. There is also a ballot box at the restoration site. Completed ballots must be mailed in received by 1 July in order to be counted. Votes will be tallied and the winners announced at the Annual Meeting on 10 July.
By Laws Revision: Mike Hartshorne explained that the process to revise the By Laws is now in the home stretch. He thanked everyone for participating in the “constitutional convention” held at his house on the 17th of May. The purpose of this “off-site” meeting was to allow the board members to review an excellent draft revision of the By Laws developed by Clem Harris. This revised draft was reviewed line by line by the participating board members. Numerous corrections and changes were made to that draft. Frank Gerstle is using these corrections and changes to update Clem’s draft and produce a second draft. This second iteration will be emailed to all BoD members, for their review prior to a second shorter off-site meeting to be held at Rick Kirby’s house on 15 May to finalize this draft and conclude the revision process.
NEW BUSINESS:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting: The next Membership Meeting will be held at 9:00 AM June 12th, 2010 at the restoration site.
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