Messages

1

Volunteers / Re: February 2019 Work Reports

« on: February 12, 2019, 11:27:14 PM »

The forecast calls for plowable snow tonight- perhaps 8”.  We’ll plan a late start tomorrow, to allow everyone to dig out.

We’ll run a plow extra tomorrow, Wednesday February 13, after lunch. 

See ya
Jason

2

Museum Discussion / Re: Map of WW&F Museum

« on: February 06, 2019, 10:56:16 PM »

I think it’s much more fair to say that any expansion will ensure a complete maintenance plan is in place.  No one aspect governs such decisions; instead all aspects must be considered.

It is also fair to say that we are becoming much more cognizant of the level of maintenance which the track and right of way deserve, and that we need to improve our performance in those areas.  Joe’s been doing a great job both advocating and executing that attention.

See ya
Jason

3

General Discussion / Re: National Geographic Film: The Railroader

« on: January 27, 2019, 09:12:11 PM »

“The Railroader” is a National Geographic short film focusing on the narrow gauge Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and it’s President, John Bush.

It is a beautiful piece.  It transcends the C&TS (which is truly magnificent); it transcends preservation and railfanism. 

This film strikes at the very essence of what we pass on from generation to generation, and what community means. 

This film is truly a beautiful 10 minute experience.  I encourage everyone to view it. 

Thank you, Mr. Bush, for sharing this part of yourself.

4

Volunteers / Re: January 2019 Work Reports

« on: January 26, 2019, 10:23:16 PM »

I informed our bridge engineer, Wayne Duffet, of the situation yesterday.  He came out to inspect on site this morning, and reported there is no immediate concern.  He did offer ideas for improved bracing and the like, for this summer.

Good day in Springfield.

Jason

5

Volunteers / Re: January 2019 Work Reports

« on: January 22, 2019, 11:06:30 AM »

There’s a chance we’ll swap our days and do shop today, plow tomorrow, depending on snow conditions on site.

The original idea of plowing today was to do so while the snow was still light and fluffy, but the storm ended in freezing rain and sleet, which changed the consistency of the snow.

Just fair warning...

Jason

6

Volunteers / Re: January 2019 Work Reports

« on: January 21, 2019, 10:42:03 PM »

Plow train tomorrow.  Prob mid-late morning departure (some prep to do).

Wednesday back to insulating.

See ya
Jason

7

Volunteers / Re: January 2019 Work Reports

« on: January 16, 2019, 11:14:43 AM »

Hello all,

No shop crane work this weekend as all hands will be needed to run the trains and assist with mountain work.

Today we are preparing for the event AND NEED HELP!  We’re light on volunteers this week due to sickness (bad head cold making the rounds).  We need to prep the ToM caboose and deliver it, move Ichabod, inspect the ToM trails and add a couple signs.

We’ve also started insulating the shop and will continue that today if there’s time, but that’s secondary to event prep.  Assuming we finish today- tomorrow will be all insulating.

Thanks,
Jason

8

Volunteers / Re: January 2019 Work Reports

« on: December 31, 2018, 10:00:37 AM »

Likely we’ll hang crane rail and prep for insulation in the shop.  If there’s willing crew we may check the ToM trails and prep them for winter hiking.  There’s a little outside work at Sheepscot to do as well.

Happy New Year!
Jason

9

Volunteers / Re: December 2018 Work Reports

« on: December 29, 2018, 11:18:14 PM »

It was a lovely day.  We hosted Wayne Duffett, our volunteer bridge program manager and inspector, Chris Snow, Wayne’s associate who donated his soil engineering services for the Trout Brook Bridge project, Chris’s wife, Wayne’s track associate Brian and his family, Dave Allan (our pile and moving contractor) and his wife Nancy.  Loco crew Joe and Roger hosted a number of cab riders, Bill Reidy conducted well, and Dave B served as a presidential brakeman.  After the Humason Brook inspection during the 10:30 trip, we took the 12:00 to ToM, then walked to Trout Brook Bridge.  Bill covered Dave’s duties so Dave could join us and be all presidential like (he’s very good at it).  We got back to ToM just in time to meet the 1:30 train.  Weather was perfect, and good conversations all around.

The public response after two days of notice was tremendously encouraging as well.  More please!  Great day all around, great close to a great year.

Jason

10

Museum Discussion / Re: Wonderful article on the WW&F Railway: NRHS Bulletin, Vol 81, No. 2

« on: December 22, 2018, 09:38:19 AM »

There will certainly be a limited number of museum copies available for viewing.

As an aside- we published the text of this article as it’s own entity, in a starkly different format which mirrors a promotional booklet put out by the W&Q in 1887.  That version is available in our gift shop, and includes the as-written last 1/4 of the text (as NRHS had to edit this fairly heavily for space).

The NRHS publication is a fabulous presentation.  Stephen’s photography gives our narrative a real sense of life and vibrance, along with a national stage.  We are extremely grateful for the opportunity they afforded us!

Thanks,
Jason

11

Work and Events / Re: Maine Locomotive and Machine switch and siding

« on: December 21, 2018, 09:14:50 AM »

Of direct concern to us is the installation of the first switch stand as it’ll serve as a derail.  Brian does, however, rather like our rail crane so we’ll spend a day or two helping him lay out rail next year. 

See ya
Jason

12

Museum Discussion / Re: 10 + 11 = 21: WW&F needs 2 New Boilers

« on: December 05, 2018, 10:08:51 PM »

WOW thank you to all 21 campaign supporters!  What a milestone!

We plan to provide the shop with heat in the upcoming weeks, and then plan to resume work on 10’s boiler.  When it makes sense to group work with 11’s boiler we will.  We’ve had to take quite a hiatus but we’ve a solid plan and look forward to knocking these projects out!

THANK YOU ALL!
Jason

13

Volunteers / Re: December 2018 Work Reports

« on: December 04, 2018, 09:36:14 AM »

Hello,

Today, Tuesday and tomorrow, Wednesday, will continue to focus on yard clean up.  We also hope to install the exhaust flue for the first shop stove, and a small contingent will assist in moving b&sr flat 35 to Sheepscot. 

See ya
Jason

14

Massachusetts' Two Footers / Re: Edaville Equipment Roster, Ex-WWF/B&SR Flatcars?

« on: December 01, 2018, 10:28:20 AM »

They also would have had common bolster trucks.  So far, the only common bolster trucks we’ve seen out of Edaville are under B&SR boxcar 50- home built by Bridgton in the 1880s.  At that they are the daintiest (read: spindly) arch bar trucks I’ve seen, with very small arch bars and pedestal castings.  Very appropriate looking for the 1880s car.  50 is going to ML&M, to be restored and reunited with its sister 51.  51 is already restored, but lacks the dainty common bolster trucks; it has the typical B&SR swing motion trucks.

Of course with all the truck swapping at Edaville there’s no assurance that 50’s trucks are original, though I theorize they may be as they may have been un-appealing for passenger service given their design.  A little photo research may turn up a more definitive answer.

See ya
Jason

15

Volunteers / Re: December 2018 Work Reports

« on: November 29, 2018, 12:45:40 PM »

Removing my work crew call for Saturday as it interfered with previous plans. 

Will plan rescheduled work for next week.

Thanks,
Jason