Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe No. 3415
On August 9, 2006, the shop forces of Wasatch Railroad Contractors began the boiler restoration of former ATSF Steam Locomotive No. 3415, located in Abilene, KS. The large 1919 Baldwin 4-6-2 has found residence in Abilene for many years and is expected to return to service on the Abilene and Smokey Valley Railroad no later than Summer 2008.
The work included the removal of several sections of the firebox that wasted away for one reason or another. Notably, both side sheets at the mud ring were removed and were replaced including all of the mud ring rivets in the same areas. The back head had a large section removed and was replaced by a new sheet. The door sheet, which literally has holes in it as a result of sitting in the city park, has also been removed and replaced.
A number of wasted areas in the wrapper sheet were repaired. These areas were pad-welded because of their small size. The first boiler course will also received minor repairs. A number of wrapper sheet rivets were removed and replaced with rivets that have sufficient heads for operational service.
Wasatch Railroad Contractors fabricated new boiler sheets at the company’s home shop located in Cheyenne, WY under the direction of WRC CMO Dave Griner. They were then taken to Abilene, fitted to the locomotive, and welded into place. The WRC staff did an excellent job in making the pieces fit properly.
Wasatch Railroad Contractors then spent another two weeks in completing some of the needed boiler repairs to the locomotive. These repairs included welding the patch sheets, installing staybolts, driving rivets, and completing other welding projects that were needed.
This project was funded by TEA-21 grant money. If you are interested in continuing to support the operation of this locomotive, please contact the railroad at:
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
200 S. Fifth Street
P.O. Box 744
Abilene, KS 67410
Email: info@asvrr.org
Phone: (785) 263-1077
Toll-free: (888) 426-6687
