A new year begins and so do our renewed efforts to work on Locomotive 98. New firebox side sheets arrive; the rear tube sheet is installed and welded into place. The use of a magnetic drill to make staybolt holes on new sheets makes the time consuming task easier.

During the month of February we start the major task of drilling, reaming and tapping a total number of 1,118 staybolt holes. The bolts are driven into place as we move from the lowest row in to the very top of the boiler. To make every staybolt fit in the air drill, each and every single head needs a notch. For this, a very small amount is ground off by hand.

After the staybolts are driven into the sheets, they are trimmed, then ground to a ¼ inch on each side to form the heads. Again, the grinders become the tool of the month. Contractors are called to re-grind the steam dome cover seam to ensure a perfect seal. At the same time the position of staybolt holes on the outside sheets are transferred to the new inside firebox sheets. Measurements are taken and the inside firebox sheets are cut to size.

From March through the end of the year, contractors, staff members and volunteers are busy in the Marshallton shops. The dry pipe is replaced inside the boiler, and a new crown sheet patch is cut and fitted into place.

Special bolts used as rivets are measured, cut, heated and driven through the firebox inside and outside sheets to hold them tightly against the mud ring.

During this particular task, everyone involved realizes how important teamwork and trust really is. Every rivet is heated to several hundreds of degrees, then each and every single one of them is passed over legs, knees and even heads before positioning it inside the corresponding hole.