DRR Ward Kimball Progress Report!

smd4 · 03-26-2005, 06:12 PM

Things are coming along nicely!

Today, the tender tank was lifted and set onto the frame. The cab was placed there some weeks ago, so the engine is really beginning to take shape, and one can really see what the engine will look like. Both the cab and the tender have been painted, lettered and striped (so have the sand dome, bell, and other components). The lettering is stunning, done in the best Disney tradition. She will differ from her siblings, in that all the lettering is hand-applied gold leaf. The drop-shadowing and striping are true examples of the striper’s art.

The cab of the engine is huge! It doesn’t have a roof hatch, but there will be plenty of ventilation through its large doors and windows. Most of the cab fittings have been installed, including the throttle and Johnson Bar. Of particular interest is the gauge stand—the cast iron bracket that holds the steam gauge, and, above it, the brake gauge. This piece is a Baldwin original, and it is rare because through the years, shop crews would often cut off the top gauge mount. This one is as original as the day it left the Baldwin erecting floor in 1902.

The process has begun to re-install the Stephenson valve gear components. Much of the valve gear is original Baldwin as well, recognizable because of the stampings “8 11 1/3 C” which indicate the locomotive style in Baldwin “code.”

The smokebox front and door have been installed, with the door cast from the original pattern used to make the doors for the four other Disneyland engines. A new headlight bracket, fabricated along the lines of the one on the Marsh, has been bolted to the smokebox. The boiler braces have also been attached between smokebox and pilot deck.

New driver centers are being cast as I write this (rectifying a repair made to one of the wheels during Cedar Fair days). The tender and pony trucks have already been painted, with the tender truck having been attached. The cylinders themselves have been encased in polished brass.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed this report. This engine is just beautiful. It will be even more so when steam fills her cylinders, her whistle screams, and she pulls out of Main Street Station for the first time--a fitting tribute to the man who played such an influential role in the history of Disney steam railroading.

sleepyjeff · 03-26-2005, 07:32 PM

Thanks for all that info. Looks like things are going good

CrazyTrain · 03-27-2005, 10:39 AM

Awesome!
Can't wait to see it

tod · 03-27-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smd4

Anyway, hope you enjoyed this report. This engine is just beautiful. It will be even more so when steam fills her cylinders, her whistle screams, and she pulls out of Main Street Station for the first time--a fitting tribute to the man who played such an influential role in the history of Disney steam railroading.

I sure did. Have they announced a roll-out date?

--t

TikiGeek · 03-27-2005, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smd4

This engine is just beautiful. It will be even more so when steam fills her cylinders, her whistle screams, and she pulls out of Main Street Station for the first time--a fitting tribute to the man who played such an influential role in the history of Disney steam railroading.

[goosebumps!] Thank you for the report. It's so nice to hear of wonderful things like this going on at Disneyland.

3894 · 03-27-2005, 02:13 PM

Excellent!

Thanks for the report, smd4.

sunfun94 · 03-28-2005, 06:28 PM

What a wonderful update! Thanks for taking the time to let us know! Do we know of a expectant roll out date as tod had asked?

Airspoon · 03-29-2005, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the update, any chance of some photos? Please keep us up to date on the progress.

P.S. The book is fantastic! I got it for my Dad at Christmas, & he is on his 3rd "trip" through it!

Opus1guy · 03-29-2005, 12:44 PM

smd4...Thanks for the report.

Any word on the Lilly Belle? Last year they (City Hall) were promising it would be rolling in time for the 50th.

smd4 · 03-29-2005, 01:50 PM

Thanks, Airspoon! That's great to hear.

Unfortunately, there are no pictures.

Also unfortunately, I have heard nothing about the Lilly Belle, and I believe she remains in her inoperable, dry-rotted state.

I will try to post updates as things progress, as I am able.

03-26-2005, 06:12 PM	#1
smd4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Wake Forest, NC	DRR Ward Kimball Progress Report! Things are coming along nicely! Today, the tender tank was lifted and set onto the frame. The cab was placed there some weeks ago, so the engine is really beginning to take shape, and one can really see what the engine will look like. Both the cab and the tender have been painted, lettered and striped (so have the sand dome, bell, and other components). The lettering is stunning, done in the best Disney tradition. She will differ from her siblings, in that all the lettering is hand-applied gold leaf. The drop-shadowing and striping are true examples of the striper’s art. The cab of the engine is huge! It doesn’t have a roof hatch, but there will be plenty of ventilation through its large doors and windows. Most of the cab fittings have been installed, including the throttle and Johnson Bar. Of particular interest is the gauge stand—the cast iron bracket that holds the steam gauge, and, above it, the brake gauge. This piece is a Baldwin original, and it is rare because through the years, shop crews would often cut off the top gauge mount. This one is as original as the day it left the Baldwin erecting floor in 1902. The process has begun to re-install the Stephenson valve gear components. Much of the valve gear is original Baldwin as well, recognizable because of the stampings “8 11 1/3 C” which indicate the locomotive style in Baldwin “code.” The smokebox front and door have been installed, with the door cast from the original pattern used to make the doors for the four other Disneyland engines. A new headlight bracket, fabricated along the lines of the one on the Marsh, has been bolted to the smokebox. The boiler braces have also been attached between smokebox and pilot deck. New driver centers are being cast as I write this (rectifying a repair made to one of the wheels during Cedar Fair days). The tender and pony trucks have already been painted, with the tender truck having been attached. The cylinders themselves have been encased in polished brass. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this report. This engine is just beautiful. It will be even more so when steam fills her cylinders, her whistle screams, and she pulls out of Main Street Station for the first time--a fitting tribute to the man who played such an influential role in the history of Disney steam railroading. __________________ Steve My new book, From Plantation to Theme Park: The Story of Disneyland Railroad Locomotive No. 5, the Ward Kimball is now availble! You can read more about the book and place your pre-order here: http://www.steampassages.com

03-26-2005, 07:32 PM	#2
sleepyjeff Spree Candy Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon	Thanks for all that info. Looks like things are going good __________________ ~Jeff

03-27-2005, 10:39 AM	#3
CrazyTrain Where'd Spring Go? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: in a crazy old castle	Awesome! Can't wait to see it __________________ Everyday I tell myself I'm sane like a water color painter painting in the rain Everyday she flows right through my veins and my song remains the same

03-27-2005, 02:13 PM	#6
3894 Autumnlicious Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Frosty Pine Dairy Farm, Wisconsin Blog Entries: 3 Latest Blog Entry: The Tomte	Excellent! Thanks for the report, smd4. __________________ Goin' to Chicago.

03-29-2005, 12:38 PM	#8
Airspoon Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Gig Harbor,WA	Thanks for the update, any chance of some photos? Please keep us up to date on the progress. P.S. The book is fantastic! I got it for my Dad at Christmas, & he is on his 3rd "trip" through it! __________________ Two wrongs may not make a right, but 3 rights make a left.


Articles \| Disneyland \| Walt Disney World \| User Reviews \| Travel

03-28-2005, 06:28 PM	#7
sunfun94 Well thats maddingly unhelpful Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Nashville Area,TN	What a wonderful update! Thanks for taking the time to let us know! Do we know of a expectant roll out date as tod had asked?

03-29-2005, 12:44 PM	#9
Opus1guy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SoCal, U S of A	smd4...Thanks for the report. Any word on the Lilly Belle? Last year they (City Hall) were promising it would be rolling in time for the 50th. __________________ Club 33 Tour Page http://members.aol.com/opus1guy

03-29-2005, 01:50 PM	#10
smd4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Wake Forest, NC	Thanks, Airspoon! That's great to hear. Unfortunately, there are no pictures. Also unfortunately, I have heard nothing about the Lilly Belle, and I believe she remains in her inoperable, dry-rotted state. I will try to post updates as things progress, as I am able. __________________ Steve My new book, From Plantation to Theme Park: The Story of Disneyland Railroad Locomotive No. 5, the Ward Kimball is now availble! You can read more about the book and place your pre-order here: http://www.steampassages.com

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