Our latest Build 11 work session was held during June 10-12. Our main goal was to pour lead into the main driving wheelset counterweights.

We needed to add approximately 70 pounds of weight to each counterweight. The counterweights were cast with an interior void designed to capture the additional lead. Quentin Bethune drilled and tapped the inner counterweight plugs for a bolt onto which he welded washers, all to provide additional geometry to prevent any motion of the lead in service.

Harold Downey provided a large ladle and fabricated ”T” handles which were then welded by Jason Lamontagne. A pouring spout was also formed by heating and forging the ladle into shape. A platform was constructed using two welding tables borrowed from other projects in the shop – the counterweight is quite high off the floor. And a step was added to enable Harold and Quentin to grasp the “T” handles and step up onto the platform.

Each counterweight was preheated using a torch and we see Harold and Quentin, wearing appropriate safety gear, pouring lead into the counterweight. The lead was heated in the ladle using a propane turkey cooker and torches. After the first counterweight was poured, the driving wheel assembly was inverted and the process repeated. The added lead was about 1-1/2” thick in each counterweight.

Elsewhere in the shop, Quentin removed a portion of the keys that extended beyond the front face of the driving wheels that would have interfered with the thrust bearings we’ll add later.

Joe Monty joined us and continued work on the rear coupler conversion. Here Joe is machining the end plate.

The oil cellars to the lead truck journal boxes were test fit and the oil cellars were adjusted so that the fit between the sides of the oil cellars into the journal has a slight interference. This tight fit ensures that any force on the journal box which would squeeze the journal is resisted by the oil cellar.  Holes were marked and drilled in the oil cellars to receive the pins which retain them in the journal boxes. These retaining pins were fabricated and the journals and boxes reassembled to the lead truck wheel and axle.

Also, the design of the components needed to adapt the crankpin press so we can press the crankpins into the driver cranks was reviewed and approved. Those components will be cut from 1″ thick steel plate and can now be ordered.

…and thank YOU for giving 111% to this project! In 2025, our friends and followers have donated an astounding $132,913 towards Build 11 – 111% of our $120,000 goal (for 2025.) All additional funds will be used to ensure the locomotive is on the rails as quickly as possible.

Learn more and contribute at www.build11.org