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In previous installments of the Fred Gurley story, we looked at the
engine's early history on a Louisiana sugar plantation (link:
Part One), and followed her through
her rebuilding by Disney in the late 1950s (link:
Part Two). Now, we'll look at her more recent
years, including an exclusive look at her rebuilding in 2007 and 2008. We now
continue with the Gurley Story.
The engine soldiered on through the 1990s, while her much younger siblings,
the E.P. Ripley and the C.K. Holliday both enjoyed extensive
rebuilding--the Ripley even getting a new boiler.
How to embarrass a steam locomotive: This 1991 photo shows Disney
publicity at its worst. The large, cheesy decal pasted to the Gurley's
tender advertises "Afternoon Avenue," the Disney Channel's afternoon cartoon
lineup of the early 1990s (the bottom corners have been cut out to make room for
the Gurley's tender braces).
Over the years, the crew had removed the original Baldwin rear truck--known
as a "swing bolster" design that allowed the truck to flex around extremely
sharp curves--and replaced it with one of the standard arch bar trucks used on
the rest of the Disney rolling stock, which did not flex. This took an enormous
toll on the engine's frame, because every time the engine entered one of the
Park's curves, the truck would torque the frame. Cracks in the frame developed.
Welding the cracks closed was only a temporary solution. Eventually, the engine
would need a thorough reconditioning.
The equivalent of a broken hip? In
these photos (above and below) , you
can see that age was beginning to take its toll on the engine. In the 1980s, the
main drive wheel sheared off its axle, bending the solid steel side rods like
wet noodles.
That time came in fall 2006. The little 1894 engine would be completely
rebuilt by an outside contractor. But lessons learned after the Ward Kimball
was rebuilt in 2005 taught Disney that they must be far more detailed in
their job requests. So, the project was divided into two phases: The first phase
would entail the vendor completely tearing down the locomotive to the last nut
and bolt. Then, an exhaustive analysis of each component would be made. Next, a
detailed report would be generated and given to Disney, so that Disney engineers
would know exactly what work would be required to recondition the engine. After
Disney knew precisely what would be needed, a work order would be generated.
Finally, work would begin to rebuild/reconstruct the locomotive.
The Fred Gurley's "cockpit" from the engineer's point of
view: The large gauge is the steam pressure gauge; the smaller one to the right
is the brake air pressure gauge. The two curving pipes (covered in white
insulation to prevent burns to the crew) direct steam to the boiler water
injectors; the silver lever to the right directly below the curved pipe is the
throttle; the brass lever at the lower center is the brake lever.
There were a number of capable shops that were sought out for Phase One,
including Hillcrest Shops in Reedley CA. Owner Sean Bautista is a capable
individual with a very good reputation and he was a strong consideration for the
work.
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