The Front Pilot also shows the difference between renovation and restoration. The pilots on a locomotive all get battle scars and modifications over the years 3640 was no different there were numerous visual changes done to it and even an area that for some reason was torched out. We could have simply painted it but thats not up to the standards we set for the 3640.
We first started by removing the Pilot
This view should say it all you can see how the bottom was completely bent up and you can also see the mounts Conrail put on for the cab signal equipment.
Next the entire bottom was torched off and the cab signal mounts were removed. (The RDG did not have cab signals on this unit nor do we have a use for them)
The new bottom is fit into place
The piece on the top of the pilot in the center that was mysteriously cut out was replaced
Even the brace that was removed was reinstalled
Some finish grinding after fully welding the entire thing, the entire pilot is constructed from 1/4" thick steel.
On the front there were hose hangers welded on the pilot these were also torched off at some point so they too were replaced
After the inside was Needle Scaled it was primed
And finish painted
Before
After
The mating surfaces on the locomotive were Needle Scaled, primed and painted
And finally the pilot was re-hung
The before again
And with some luck we will see something like this in the near future
I have plenty of older shots of the restoration I can post if there is interest. Thanks for supporting the RCT&HS and its projects.