To meet the Federal Railroad Administration’s  1472-day inspection requirements (for more information, see previous blog post), the Sierra No. 28’s boiler must be thoroughly inspected for boiler integrity,

Grid marks are applied to the boiler in order to guide the ultrasonic testing.
Grid marks are applied to the boiler in order to ensure all surface of the boiler is consistently tested. (The blue tubing is part of a ventilation system in the boiler for employee safety while working in the confined space).
Volunteer Dan Mayer uses a grinder to spot-clean mineral build-up from the outside of the boiler. Two tennis ball sized spots per grid were needed for ultrasonic testing.
Volunteer Dan Maher uses a grinder to spot-clean mineral build-up from the outside of the boiler. Two small spots per grid were prepared for testing.
Project Volunteer tests the boiler using ultrasonic equipment, and marks the thickness onto each spot as he goes. Early results were looking good for the No. 28's boiler health.
Project Volunteer David Ethier tests the boiler at each spot using an ultrasonic probe, and notes the thickness of each spot as he goes.  The probe works similarly to the way that a dolphin uses echolocation–by sending and receiving a frequency and measuring the time it takes to return.  The device is calibrated to measure steel in this case.  You can see the numbers written directly where the measurements were taken.
Here, most of the ultrasonic measurements have been taken and results are looking good.
Here, much of the needed testing has been completed, as you can see by all of the numbers written in the grid.
David completing the final samples, on the backhead. The UT device can be seen in his left hand, as he applies the sensor in his right.
David completing the final samples, on the back head. He is standing where the engineer would sit, if the locomotive were reassembled.
A copy of the previous Form 4, completed in 2003. The form is several pages long. Measurements are listed on the form, in addition to the results of calculations.
The Federal Railroad Administration’s “Form 4” is the document that must be submitted to document the condition of the boiler.  This is the first page of the previous Form 4, completed in 2003.   Measurements are listed on the form, in addition to the results of calculations.  The Form 4 is submitted, as well as the Form 3 (annual inspection) and the Form 19 (Alteration and repair report for steam locomotive boilers).  In addition to meeting FRA requirements, these forms become an important part of the artifact’s history, particularly the Form 19 which will help us document changes over time.

 

Previous Sierra No. 28 Update: Removing Boiler Tubes

Next Sierra No. 28 Update:  A History of the No. 28