| Gurley Story
(continued)
Disney approved the budget for the engine's overhaul in October 2006, and the
first phase of the contract was awarded to Mission Tool and Manufacturing
Company, Inc. on December 1, 2006. The company specializes in supplying
precision stamped and machined parts to aeronautical, automotive, computer,
consumer, medical, microwave, and military industries.
The engine as she appeared shortly before Mission Tool and Machine Co.
personnel began disassembling her. Photo courtesy Tom Gazsi.
Mission Tool &
Manufacturing President and founder Gary Smith has had a long career in
manufacturing, tool and die work, and steam conveyance projects. Over many years
Gary has restored a variety of steam locomotives, engines and boilers. One of
his boats, a vintage steam launch, was built and used in the Disney film
"Holes." Their primary 30,000 square foot plant is located in Hayward CA, and
they have a smaller facility in Orange County, CA. The Mission Tool Phase One
crew consisted of Gary Smith, Danny Padfield, John Bothwell and Tom Gazsi.
Gary Smith, Rob Jackson, John Bothwell and Dale Tetley stand under the Fred Gurley's cab, which has just been lifted off the boiler by the
forklift. Photo courtesy Tom Gazsi.
Phase One of the Fred Gurley job included the complete dismantling and
documentation of the locomotive. Work began on December 11th. Over the course of
several weeks, the company's professionals worked at the Disneyland roundhouse,
tearing down the 113 year old engine. By all accounts the work was done
efficiently and well. Mission even removed the steel tires from the drive
wheels!
John Bothwell uses a cutting torch inside the Fred Gurley's
smokebox.
Photo courtesy Tom Gazsi.
Tom Gazsi wrote about his experience with the engine:
"Clearly the locomotive was in need of rebuilding, but remarkably the
engine was in sound condition, the timing was "square" (the engine's valves
were set accurately) and the locomotives was in regular service right until
the work began."
"The sustained operation of No.3 is a credit to Baldwin Locomotive Works
engineering as well as the Disneyland Railroad managers and operating engineers
who maintain the equipment. The Disneyland crews are passionate about their
responsibilities and care of the equipment, which sees heavy use some 12 to 20
hours a day. There is no question that their livery of equipment is well
cared for and remains a hallmark of the Park and Walt's legacy."
Here is the engine with its appliances, cab and tender tank removed.
Photo courtesy Tom Gazsi.
Mission Tool finished their work in January 2007. When Phase One was
completed and with a detailed scope of work in hand, bidding was opened up to
see who would complete Phase Two, the rebuilding.
Look for the next part of this story soon! |
