Testing SP 786's Appliances & Moving the Drivers - Ep. 2
Published 2024-07-19
Approximately every six months, each of our steam driven appliances such as the power reverse unit, the electrical turbine generator (dynamo), the cross compound air compressor, and the cold water pump get lubricated and exercised while awaiting their return to the steam engine. In lieu of steam, we use compressed air. The dynamo creates 30 volts AC to power the locomotive's headlight and radios, the cold water pump brings water from the tender to the feed water heater, the air compressor creates air for the braking system, and the power reverse, similar to power steering on your car, assists the engineer of 786 in changing the valve gear. Also, we exercise the power reamer, which actually is powered by compressed air.
In addition to this, we move the original drivers of 786 in order to keep the bearings lubricated. The next step of the restoration will be to make the "shoes" followed by putting the frame on the drivers. For more information on that process and the future of the project, please look at our last video - • The Next Steps of the SP 786 Restorat...
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Ways to support us
Donate to the SP 786 restoration - www.austinsteamtrain.org/donate-786-fund/
Volunteer - www.austinsteamtrain.org/about-asta/volunteer/
Ride the train - www.austinsteamtrain.org/make-reservations/
0:00 Intro
0:38 Dynamo
1:58 Cold Water Pump
2:50 Power Reverse
4:09 Cross Compound Air Compressor
5:00 Power Reamer
5:51 Drivers
9:12 Ending
All Comments (9)
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Donate to the SP 786 restoration! - www.austinsteamtrain.org/donate-786-fund/
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The one time my dad took me to ride the train (When it was still called the Hill Country Flyer) back in the mid or late 90's, 786 failed while we were out on the main line... middle of the Texas summer and it was miserable. Had to wait until 442 could make it down to tow us back home. I may be wrong but IIRC that was the last time 786 ran, but I could be wrong.
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I literally rode the train ride Saturday, and I'm glad that you're restoring a historic piece of the southern pacific! I hope to see this baby operational soon whenever I visit again
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As I'm gone no longer in Austin, I'm glad I met Matt and I saw you guys moving the parts of 786, my birthday is yesterday so I'm happy you guys are still working, I hope I'll come back to work once again.
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Awesome update! I know your railroad has a nice fleet of passenger cars. Also, I recently learned the Gulf Coast Chapter of the NRHS has a former SP dining car (last operated on Amtrak) at your site and can be potentially used on the Austin Steam Train excursions. Keep up the great work!
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Awesome to see that y'all are working to keep the parts in good shape.
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Enjoyed the video!!!
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Which dynamo is that? Is this the dynamo you purchased from the organization in El Paso or the one that was on display on 786 in Austin? Just curious.
