Rails Of Ironback: Ericka And Chase

Sweet Success

Ericka squealed with joy.

"Ok Victor, we got approved, mow let's get her ready." Mr. Clinton said.

"Ok, you heard him boys!" Victor shouted.

The crew worked into the evening and the best was yet to come.

2 a.m. next morning

Victor opened up the shop door. He flipped on only a few lights so Ericka could get sleep.

After clocking in, he topped off the fuel oil and water tanks in Ericka's tender.

After fueling the tender, He brabbed the grease gun.

"Ah lord, this is gonna be a bit messy." He said to himself.

He began filling the running gear lubricant reservoirs with high pressure gear oil, which was standard for use on all engines with needle pin and roller bearings.

After that, he climbed into the cab and opened the water injector valve. Water began filling the boiler as the water glass began to rise.

Victor closed the Injection valve. He turned on the flow of fuel oil to the firebox before turning on the igniter. There was a flash of light as a big fire roared to life inside the firebox.

Victor stabilized the heating pressure amd went into his office for a cup of coffee and some doughnuts. He sat down in his chair and looked out the window. He finished his cup of coffee and climbed back into Ericka's cab. He smiled as the pressure gauge began to slowly rise. Victor slumped back into the seat and closed his eyes, but ended up falling asleep.

Victor snapped awake when the sun Hit his eyes. He wiped his eyes and looked at his watch, It read 6:11 a.m.

"4 hours!" Victor exclaimed.

He returned his attention to the gauges. The steam gauge now read 227 PSI.

"I think that's a decent pressure." Victor said.

Ericka exhaled sharply, she was a bit nervous. It was decades since she last moved under her own power.

Victor exhaled as he gripped his hand Around the brass brake handle he looked up at the air pressure gauge before turning the handle, releasing the brakes. A sharp hiss of air raced through the brake lines as the brake pads released.

"Are you ready?" Victor asks Ericka.

"Let's do it." She answers.

Upon hearing her answer, Victor moves the reverser forwards, and grips his hand around the throttle. He exhales sharply as he slowly pulls the throttle lever towards him. There was a loud hiss as huge waves of superheated steam shot out of the condensation calves with great force. Victor pulled the throttle back a bit more. There was a squeak and a squeal as Ericka's large 80 inch drivers slowly began to roll forwards. The track shifted slightly as she rolled out of the shop, successfully under her own power.

The sunlight hit Ericka's paint like _________________. The vibrant orange paint shined in the light. Victor stood back to admire the hard work he and the shop crew put into the project.

"My god!!" He remarked.

TO BE UPDATED

T