Rails Of Ironback: Ericka And Chase

Rebuilding A Thoroughbred

After 5 minutes of grieving, the crane lifted the massive paperweight and suspended it in the air. The crew began cutting out pieces of the boiler. After all the rust was cleaned off, the new, thick panels of sheet metal were curved to fit, then welded into place. The crew repeated this process several times. After another 2 months of repair work, The crew finished fixing the rust issue. The crown sheets were cut out and replaced with new ones.

"SPECIAL DELIVERY!" Herrick shouted as he pushed 2 gondolas full of packaged goods into the shops.

Victor opened the boxes with his Knife.

"MMMMMM, I love christmas presents, Especially early ones." Victor said. The shop lit up with laughter.

Victor picked up one of the parts. The freshly fabricated boiler tubes had arrived. Along with it was some dynamos, a new brake system, 2 cylinders, a complete running gear assembly and many more pieces.

The boys picked up the boiler tubes one by one and began fitting them into the boiler. Finally, after some time, the last boiler tube was secured in place.

"Ok, lets see if she's solid." Victor said.

Victor closely inspects the boiler for any cracks or holes the crew could have missed.

(Victor looks at you) "The reason i'm doing this is to check for cracks on the boiler." "Leaving any cracks in the boiler could cause a boiler explosion." "Its better to be safe than to be sorry."

After looking over the boiler, Victor was satisfied with it.

After reinforcing the boiler a bit, the boiler was ready to go back onto the frame.

The crane moved The boiler shell over the frame and lowered it into place. After it was secured, The Rest of the internal parts were installed. Next the freshly fabricated cab was lowered into place and mounted securely. Next, the massive pistons and heavy running gear assembly were reinstalled. The shop crew worked day in and day out to restore the engine to its former glory.

Several weeks later

"Light it up!" Shouted a Voice.

There was a flash of light and a bright fire erupted in the firebox of the old engine. It glowed brightly against the early morning hours.

"OK, CUT IT!"

The man in the cab shut off the oil flow, and the fire extinguished itself almost immediately. After a few minutes, the boiler was cold steel again. As the sun broke the dawn, the shop crew returned from their short 2 hour nap.

"She's nearly done, now we need to put the side skirts on and She's ready for paint." Victor eaid.

"Where are her skirts?" He asked.

"Sorry to tell ya boss, but there ren't any." A man replied.

"Well thats just wonderful, how am I gonna explain to clinton that we don't have skirts?" Victor asked worryingly.

"You don't have to." Said a voice.

Victor turned around to see Mr. Clinton riding a flatcar with 2 large wooden crates loaded on it.

Victor: Clinton, I.....

Clinton: Say no more, Vic. I know she didn't have her sideskirts when we pulled her out of the tunnel.

He gestures to the crates

Clinton: I reached out and had these parts custom fabricated.

Victor opens one of the crates and his day just got a whole lot better.