Building an Aligator

[f350ca]

And then there were two.

[Vinny]

If you go back tomorrow and there are three, you better separate them!

[f350ca]

Finished the paddle wheels and installed them a week or so ago. The other day we fired the boiler and spun them up. The packing gland on the engine needs some attention, but it was a cool day and the steam heat was appreciated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRKjaXysiIA

[Vinny]

Bad link Greg.

[f350ca]

Opps, think I fixed it Vinny

[EdK]

Good link, nice video.

Ed

[Vinny]

looks ready for the water

[Mayhem]

Bring on the biblical flood!

[Brian]

If we have a biblical flood we will require another alligator and I am not sure what sex this one is.

Brian 

[f350ca]

With a sigh of relief the Aligator made her maiden voyage yesterday.
We used a 50 ton crane to lift it on and off the trailer. I estimated the weight at around 8000 pounds, the crane operator claims he was lifting 16,000. HUM, its going to draw a lot more than the 12 inches I designed it for.


When she hit the water it miraculously drew 12 inches. HUM. Claims the blocks, cable and spreader bars were probably 3000 pounds, somehow we're out 5000. It has a slight list to the left, the bull gear is over there, can't see it being that heavy but a bit of blast will correct the problem,



I was running chase /rescue in my boat, they only had 35 psi steam on and got about 2-3 mph. Couldn't believe how little splash the paddles made, they were running in this photo. No idea why they didn't get the fire roaring for speed trials.
Had to make a 6 or 7 mile run across the river to its new moorings. Daylight was getting short so we gave her a little tug.


On to the next project.