Messages

2041

Archives (General) / Website

« on: September 15, 2010, 04:10:08 PM »

MODERATORS NOTE:
Website has been converted from the pre-July 2008 WW&F Discussion Forum.
Some formatting may have been removed or modified from the original postings that appear quoted in this topic.
Information contained within this post may be superseded by more recent postings and conversations.
Dave Crow wrote:

James,

I like the new look of the home page top banner.  However, I am having problems seeing the Links page as well as the Major Restoration page.

Is it me, or the formatting of the windows within the page?

Thanks,
Dave Crow

Mike Fox replied:

Yes, it does seem more difficult to figure the new site out. If you click on one of the information bars, it only supplies the info in the top inch or 2 of the screen, while the bottom of the page stays the same. Must be real difficult to see on a laptop.
Other than that, I like the layout and overall design. Just a few bugs to work out.
Mike

James Patten replied:

What browser are you using on it?

I tested it on IE, Netscape, and Mozilla.  Mozilla had trouble with the color of the main page but everything else seemed OK.

One time when I was testing I did notice that that clicking on something in the top information bar brought the page into that bar.  [tech-speak] I think I had tweaked the CSS file, and bringing the CSS back to Mark's original fixed the problem.  It will have to wait until tonight when I get back home. [/tech-speak]

It wouldn't surprise me if earlier versions of browsers have trouble with it.

gordon cook replied:

YOW!!

Now THAT woke me up!

Way to go, James!

All we need now is sound effects and turning drivers. Can you add those next?!
_________________
Gawdon

Dave Crow replied:

James,

I use IE 7.0.  If I click on the "Links" at the top of the page, it opens that option up in the upper 2 inches of the screen, but there is no scroll arrows to show the links...

Dave

Bill Reidy replied:

James,

The new design looks great!  Nice job!

It does looks like the target frame on some of the links need work.  On the welcome page, when I click on "Major Projects", the Museum Projects page opens in the same frame where the "Major Projects" link had been.  If I then click on any of the Museum Projects links on the top left menu, the selected page appears in that top left menu frame.

If it matters, I'm using MS Internet Explorer 7.0.5730.11.

Bill

Dave Buczkowski replied:

James;
All I'm seeing is RED!. Seriously, I have the same problem as Dave with the Links page. I'm running IE 7.0. And the Home page is as Mike describes. Since I mostly view at work you should limit any sounds as they already think I'm nuts here. (Hold the comments please...)
Dave

Bill Reidy replied:

James,

I can supply a .wav file that screams "DAVE, GET BACK TO WORK!" if you need it.

Bill

Bill Reidy replied:

Apparently IE version is important.  I have Internet Explorer version 6 on my work laptop, and everything looks fine when I use that version.

Bill

Dave Buczkowski replied:

Bill;
We already have a device in my office. It's called The Boss.
Dave

James Patten replied:

There aren't any sounds on the page that I know of...somebody tell me if I'm wrong.

James Patten replied:

For those of you having problems with the new page layout, please visit Mark's webpage, which has the original version.

http://www.markedry.com/wwf2

Post back here whether or not you still had problems with the site.

I think mainly Mike and people using IE 7.  I don't have access to IE 7.

Bill Reidy replied:

Hi James,

Using IE 7, I am having the same problem on Mark's website.  It appears IE 7 is not picking up on the correct target frame for whatever reason.

Apparently Dave and I have the same boss.

Bill

James Patten replied:

Using IE 7, I am having the same problem on Mark's website.  It appears IE 7 is not picking up on the correct target frame for whatever reason.

Well that's rather sucky isn't it.

#!&@*#&!!! Microsoft.

Mark, if you have any ideas, feel free to chime in or make some changes to your own version of the site.

jwhoughton replied:

James,

Some good news!  I use Safari as my browser and I have had no problems looking at pages of your new website which are really nicely done, by the way.

I know you have many more improvements you want to add.  I'm looking forward to them.  One I'd suggest is to expand the descriptions on the Gift Shop page.  I (and hopefully others) might buy more if we better understood what was for sale.  I live in California so I can't just drop by and take a look first hand!  I'm not suggesting this be on the top of your "to do" list, however.

John

James Patten replied:

A quick Google for the IE7/frames problem indicates that yes there is a problem.  I did see a possible solution to the problem which I have implemented, please IE7 people try the webpage again.

Wayne Laepple replied:

Safari works here in central Pennsylvania, too.

The new site works pretty well, but I'm not sure how user-friendly a casual browser would find it. I'm talking about someone who's planning a trip to Maine and is looking for something to do. The opening page should have the essential info, such as when the chooch runs, when the museum is open, how much it costs and the like.

Bill Reidy replied:

James wrote:

A quick Google for the IE7/frames problem indicates that yes there is a problem. I did see a possible solution to the problem which I have implemented, please IE7 people try the webpage again.

Yes -- it's working much better now!  I do still see the problem with the left navigation pane for the Museum Projects page.  If I go to the Museum Projects page and try to pick any of the links on the left navigation pane, the page pulled up is delivered into that left navigation pane.  Does this fix need to be done page-by-page?

I agree -- #!&@*#&!!! Microsoft.

Bill

Mike Fox replied:

Perfect James. All is good. Great layout now. Does exactly what you wanted it to. Something else to be proud of.

And by the way, no added sound please unless it is authentic. Like #10 coming up Davis or the Ladder.

Mike

Dave Crow replied:

James,

The website seems to be working properly now.

Many thanks,
Dave Crow

James Patten replied:

The new site works pretty well, but I'm not sure how user-friendly a casual browser would find it. I'm talking about someone who's planning a trip to Maine and is looking for something to do.

Would someone like to find a casual browser (wife/husband, relative, friend, so forth) and have them try the website?

James Patten replied:

I do still see the problem with the left navigation pane for the Museum Projects page.  If I go to the Museum Projects page and try to pick any of the links on the left navigation pane, the page pulled up is delivered into that left navigation pane.

I'll take a look at it tonight then.  Thanks.

Glad it's pretty much working correctly now.  Thanks everyone!

Mike Fox replied:

</span><table width="90%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3" border="0" align="center"><tr>      <td><span class="genmed"><b>Bill Reidy wrote:</b></span>

I'll take a look at it tonight then.</td>   </tr></table><span class="postbody">

Must be another IE7 thing again because I just noticed the same issue.
Mike

James Patten replied:

Left side navigation pane IE 7 issues should now be resolved.  Paypal should also work to take you to the WW&F paypal site, but I still need to tweak it to go out in a separate page.

Bill Reidy replied:

Yup!  The left navigation window is working very nicely now.  Thanks!

Bill

Bill Reidy replied:

When I navigate to:  Visit Us -&gt; Location, I get a pop-up message stating:

"The Google Maps API key used on this web site was registered for a different web site.  You can generate a new key for this site at http://code.google.com/apis/maps/.

Bill

Dave Buczkowski replied:

I just looked at the site on Safari. Now I see what all the fuss was about. It looks real nice. James, will there be a Restoration Progress section again or did I miss it? Also, how about something on Albion. I also received the message that Bill dod about google maps.
Dave

Mike Fox replied:

Thanks for all the work James. Looks great. Works great.
Mike

James Patten replied:

Restoration section is under About Us.

Joe Fox replied:

The new website is great, and I must say, I especially like how people can see how long our current track is, highlighted in red on the track map, and when clicking on the Top Of the Mountain link, it actually lets you look at it now, with a photo even. Maybe somebody should take a few newer photos of the railroad grade through there, and also the rails that have been found at TOM. Great job on the website James.

Joe

2042

Archives (General) / posting images...

« on: September 15, 2010, 04:07:16 PM »

MODERATORS NOTE:
posting images... has been converted from the pre-July 2008 WW&F Discussion Forum.
Some formatting may have been removed or modified from the original postings that appear quoted in this topic.
Information contained within this post may be superseded by more recent postings and conversations.
Stephen Hussar wrote:

I think this could be a wonderful thing. I'm sure there are many pictures out there that never found their way onto the website, couldn't fit into the newsletter or might be uninteresting to viewers of Nerail.

Remember when Alna Center looked like this?

wwfmuseum replied:

I remember when we had to fight through thickets of trees to get to Alna Center.  That's when a trip to Humason Brook was an adventure sure to burn away an hour of your day, and a trip to Alna Center would take the better part of an afternoon.

Ahh the good ol' days...

James P.

Steve Zuppa replied:

I think these photos are great reminders of where we've been. Since we're there all the time, it's easy to forget . Our focus is always on the next goal, the next project.We need to get Badger Bob to drag out some of his old pics. I know SH has got plenty.
Steve

ETSRRCo replied:

http://forums.railfan.net/image.cgi?/RRArt/WWF.jpg

Not a photo but it is a drawing I did from a photo I took there last summer.

Eric B. (from New Jersey)

Dave Buczkowski replied:

Eric;
Clearly you've got talent! Have you done other drawings. "Would you like to see my etchings?" takes on a whole new meaning!
Dave

petecosmob replied:

That's excellent work! A lot like my stuff, only a little better, I think. We'll have to compare sketch books sometime.
Cosmo

ETSRRCo replied:

Thanks all.

fjknight replied:

Here is my collection of digital WW&F photos. Mostly from 2005 and 2006 fall work weekends. I'm planning to model Sheepscot in Sn2 so there are a lot of building shots.

http://picasaweb.google.com/FJKnight/WWF

Frank Knight

Stephen Hussar replied:

GREAT pictures, Frank -- thanks for the link. These images really capture the flavor of the place. Great shots of Steve Smith in there too!

2043

Archives (Other Maine 2ft) / Monson track plans

« on: September 15, 2010, 03:48:59 PM »

MODERATORS NOTE:
Monson track plans has been converted from the pre-July 2008 WW&F Discussion Forum.
Some formatting may have been removed or modified from the original postings that appear quoted in this topic.
Information contained within this post may be superseded by more recent postings and conversations.
bperch wrote:

For years I have been inquiring if anyone has accurate track plans for the following parts of the railroad without success.  I have most of the usual books on the railroad and they only have the usual plans for Monson yard and the junction yard.  I consider the following innacurate or missing:

1.  The trackage at the quarry shown on P81 of Two Feet to the Quarries.
The plan on P6 shows too many crossings to be practical and I
cannot detect that many in the photo.

2.  The trackage at the quarry between this one and the Monson yard.
One plan I've seen just shows a single line going into this area.

3.  The trackage on the spur going past the engine house.  Again on maps
it just shows a fork without any sidings.  There must have been more.

4.  The trackage at the very end of the line at its fullest length.

5.  Where does the siding go on the bottom of P73 of Two Feet to the
Quarries and are there any sidings off of it?

6.  Exactly where was the photo on the middle of P126 of Two Feet to the
Quarries taken.  Is it verifiable by other photos?

Bernie Perch

James Patten replied:

I've always been really curious about the trackage shown in the photo at the bottom of P90 of Two Feet to the Quarries.  It shows track going from flat to some sharp upward angle all in a few feet.  Must have been hard to push those pushcars up that hill, especially if loaded.

Bernie, do you have The Monson Railroad by Roger Whitney?  It's a 88 page paperback book published in 1989 or so.  Page 6 shows a track map superimposed over a USGS map.  On page 7 there's a rough map of the track in Monson village.  The line continued past the Monson Maine Slate Co to the Eighteen Quarry, which probably states somewhere how long the branch was but it looks to be a couple of miles at least.

I'm hopeful Roger becomes a member on this forum because he grew up in Monson.  Former WW&F president Larson Powell was a visitor to Monson as a child, when he and his family made the trip from Lenox, Mass to Monson to visit relatives in the later days of the railroad.

bperch replied:

Jim,

I do have Roger's book and looked at the maps.  What I am looking for is the fine detail of those areas--each and every siding.   Page 8 shows the kind of detail maps I am looking for.  The only thing is that these maps are in several books and we are all familiar with them.  I want to find out about the rest of the railroad.

Bernie

Roger Whitney replied:

Hello all!  I have finally fulfilled James' wishes and joined the forum.  I'd like to get the Monson forum revved up some.  I will research your questions Bernie, but what you see in the books is mostly what there was.  There are some exceptions however.  I'll post when I have time.

bperch replied:

I am looking forward to any new material.  If you look at my original post with its various questions, any answer to them will fill an unpublished void.  I could probably add several more but since there was no response to them, I didn't bother.

Bernie

Roger Whitney replied:

OK everyone, get out your Monson books and follow along!

I have never been able to see or find any  fine detail of most of the trackage at the Monson Maine Slate Co.  Probably doesn’t exist.  I had a nice engineered drawing of the mainline which unrolled, was about 8 feet long. Lost it in my fire back in 2003.

Bernie Perch asks.....
1. The trackage at the quarry shown on P81 of Two Feet to the Quarries.
The plan on P6 shows too many crossings to be practical and I
cannot detect that many in the photo.
RW-The top picture on page 81 is of the right side of the Monson Maine Slate Co. (MMSC) The bottom is of the left side . The yard at the quarries changed a lot over the years, according to needs.  At one time or another the trackage pictured on page 6 was indeed that complicated, maybe even more so. When Moody drew the map on page 6, he was probably drawing it according to what was told to him by the crews, THAT USED TO BE.  By the time Moody visited the Monson, the train crews had been employed for a LONG TIME operations were winding down.  Page 43 shows a photo of #3 beside the quarry that is shown on the top of page 81.  Which means there may have been access from the north.  At one time there was access to this quarry-side trackage from the main line that initially led into the complex.

Bernie asks....
2. The trackage at the quarry between this one (MMSC) and the Monson yard. One plan I've seen just shows a single line going into this area.
RW-There were several quarries the Monson served.  The one on page 81  was the MMSC.  Page 11 shows the quarry on Homer Hill which is located NW of the village.  As far as I know there was only one spur off from the mainline to MMSC, which serviced the Kineo quarry, about half way down to MMSC.  Refer to the map in my book, or page 137 in the Jones book.  This was quite a grade down to MMSC.  The first .3 mile was pretty level, but the last .25 mile amounted to a 6.8% grade according to topographical map calulations.  Many references call it 5%.  In the company letter presses, Harold Morill states that they judged their engine power by how many cars they could bring up over that grade.  Before they bought Vulcan No. 3, the best Hinckley could barely get one loaded car up the grade.  Of course by that time (1913) the Hinckleys were about worn out.  When No. 3 was delivered they were able to bring up two loaded cars from MMSC much to Mr. Morrill’s delight!  Moody mentiones this with the quote, “they didn’t exactly have her (the engine) hooked up to center.”  I love Moody’s understatements!  The engineer had to have the reverse lever at full stroke!


Bernie asks....
3. The trackage on the spur going past the engine house. Again on maps
it just shows a fork without any sidings. There must have been more.
RW-Yes.  The trackage which went right beside the engine house extended to Homer Hill at one time.  It went beyond the enginehouse, crossed Chapin Avenue, continued in a slight curve about 1/2 mile to Route 15, crossed it and up to Homer hill.  Homer hill yard trackage was only a few forks and maybe some swithcbacks as far as I know.  Also back at the station, there was a very short track to the car house which was beside the enginehouse.  No more sidings.

Bernie asks.....
4. The trackage at the very end of the line at its fullest length.
RW-The Monson orignally went another two miles beyond the MMSC quarry pictured in page 81 to another pit called 18 Quarry, or just “18” to the locals.  That would be 8.16 miles from the junction. If you look on some older topo maps, you will see 18 quarry pond with a road going to it from the MMSC quarry complex.  This was the road bed.  As far as trackage at “18” I don’t know.  It was probably very simple with a few forks like on Homer hill.  Locals I have interviewed don’t remember.
Topozone on-line topo maps show this as well, as the entire roadbed to the junction is shown, since most of the row is now used for a power transmission line.

Bernie asks.....
5. Where does the siding go on the bottom of P73 of Two Feet to the
Quarries and are there any sidings off of it?
RW-This photo was taken south of town and serviced the Portland- Monson Quarry.  Moody makes reference to this on page 39 of his epic book. This was mainly a shafting operation as opposed to an open pit operation.  This was taken in later years.  Another view of this building is on Page 96. Originally there was a double ended siding servicing the front of the building which was sort of a warehouse.  The track to the right on page 73 goes down to the P-M operation which is on page 83.  How would you like to jump on that platform and be lowered 1000 feet into the ground??!!!

Bernie asks.....
6. Exactly where was the photo on the middle of P126 of Two Feet to the
Quarries taken. Is it verifiable by other photos?
RW-Yes ....  it was taken at the MMSC finishing sheds.  Windows in the upper left match windows on page 81.  Bottom photo of page 127 is also shown on page 81 where the vertical lumber is stacked.

The Monson is an incredible two footer to model.  I’ve never understood why it wasn’t modeled more as the trackage is fairly simple as was the equipment.  I modeled the Junction yard, Ladd Brook Trestle, Monson Station yard and was working on the MMSC yard in HOn30 when I lost it all in a fire.  Keep e’m coming Bernie!!

bperch replied:

Roger,

Thanx for your in debth reply to my questions.  I realize the industrial trackage constantly changed and my inquiries generally covered the more permanent track.

I have Jone's book and your's both here and have been busily paging through both.

In reference to my question #1, on page 81, lower photo, the photo shows only one track swinging past the left hand building and it would make sense that all the tracks going to the right hand buildings would all come from it.  The top photo on page 78 shows at least two sidings doing that.  I really don't think there were that many crossings on the sidings or lead tracks from the main line.

The next four questions were very helpful but what I would like to see are track plan drawings showing these areas if something like that could be generated for any future publications.  I may be sticking my foot in my mouth as I don't have alot of time for this, but I would be willing to make a drawing (not computer) of this if we could get more information.

On question 6, I disagree with you.  Before posting the question I studied these areas and even though the windows are similar, other things don't match.  The rough shed with two windows (coal bin?) isn't in any photos I have studied.   The overhead thinggy (insulated steam line?) isn't either.  The overhang on the two buildings is different.  It also is not in the shadow of any close building.  I am going to ask you to keep digging on this one unless you can convince me otherwise.

A few more questions------

Where is the quarry located on page 36 in relation to the buildings on page 81?  A picture of another view (the camera would have been about 2" to the left of the center on the page 81 photo on the edge of the slate tip) was on ebay a while back and identified it as Monson.  Was it served by the RR at some time?

Your book--page 59:  is the "snow plow" sitting on a siding or was it just pushed there?  The location is easy to identify.

Your book--page 78:  on this snow plow, history states and plans show that the front truck was part of one of the earlier locomotives.  Any idea of how much of the frame and wheels did they use?  Did it swivel or was it rigid?

Jone's book--page 84:  where is this building located?  I can't seem to find it in any other photos.

I have one or two more questions but have to do a little more research on them to make sure they are accurate.

I'm sorry to hear about "the fire".  Was there much history permanently lost?  Despite our best efforts, sometimes it is impossible to keep from losing more history.

Again, thank you for all your information.

Bernie

Roger Whitney replied:

Bernie states:
On question 6, I disagree with you. Before posting the question I studied these areas and even though the windows are similar, other things don't match. The rough shed with two windows (coal bin?) isn't in any photos I have studied. The overhead thinggy (insulated steam line?) isn't either. The overhang on the two buildings is different. It also is not in the shadow of any close building. I am going to ask you to keep digging on this one unless you can convince me otherwise.

RW-Looking carefully at the photos, there may have been two parallell buildings in the photo on page 81.  The picture on 126 may be between them.

A few more questions------
Bernie asks....
Where is the quarry located on page 36 in relation to the buildings on page 81? A picture of another view (the camera would have been about 2" to the left of the center on the page 81 photo on the edge of the slate tip) was on ebay a while back and identified it as Monson. Was it served by the RR at some time?

RW- I’m not sure  but  I think it is a view of the quarries on Homer Hill NW of town.  The picture was taken from the south of town across the east end of Hebron Pond which is obscured by the trees.

Bernie asks.....
Your book--page 59: is the "snow plow" sitting on a siding or was it just pushed there? The location is easy to identify.

RW-I have misplaced my only copy of my book however will check on it when I find it.   If it is the picture taken of the plow in Monson Yard, then the snowplow was stored on the track, when not in use, which went to the plow-only turntable.  If it is a picture of the dialect No. 2, then it was just pushed onto an unused track at Monson Maine SC.

Bernie asks
Your book--page 78: on this snow plow, history states and plans show that the front truck was part of one of the earlier locomotives. Any idea of how much of the frame and wheels did they use? Did it swivel or was it rigid?
RW- To my knowledge, a plow affair was built around the carcass of No. 2 and was pushed.  It was unsuccessful.  I haven’t heard of anything swiveling.  The front trucks of the regular snow plow were regular freight trucks I think.

Bernie asks.....
Jone's book--page 84: where is this building located? I can't seem to find it in any other photos.

RW- I believe this is at the Portland-Monson Slate Co. south of town.

bperch replied:

Roger,

Again, I thank you for your informative replies to my questions.  I could comment a little more but I see we are discussing things which could only be answered by getting in a time machine and going back 80 years or so and searching out these things by actually looking at the items.  It's amazing how things fall into that deep hole called the unknown.

Bernie

James Patten replied:

I looked at Roger's book, on p. 59.  The engine carcass looks pretty level, my guess is that it's on a track - but probably pushed right to the very end.

Bruce Wilson replied:

"Harold Morill states that they judged their engine power by how many cars they could bring up over that grade.  Before they bought Vulcan No. 3, the best Hinckley could barely get one loaded car up the grade.  Of course by that time (1913) the Hinckleys were about worn out.  When No. 3 was delivered they were able to bring up two loaded cars from MMSC much to Mr. Morrill’s delight!  Moody mentiones this with the quote, “they didn’t exactly have her (the engine) hooked up to center.”  I love Moody’s understatements!  The engineer had to have the reverse lever at full stroke!"

Great job to you both Bernie and Roger with your questions and answers, and yes...ya gotta love Moody and that wit of his... [/quote]

bperch replied:

I finally found my plans for the Monson snowplow in the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette Jan/Feb 1987 issue. These were reprinted from the Jan 1974 Finelines and drawn by someone named Tenney.  The plans show that the front set of wheels were 30" in diameter and had  centerlines of 52".  Before I got Jones' book I had no clue why these dimentions existed on this drawing.  I wonder where Tenney got this information?  It is possible that this front set of wheels were fixed and what appears to be the trailing truck of one of the earlier engines in the back used the centering mechanism besides swiveling.  Does anybody out there have any more information on this?  Really, this is trivia, and if someone modeled this plow, it wouldn't make any difference how they did it.  I'm just curious.

Bernie

Stephen Hussar replied:

Bernie, my dad modeled the Maine 2-footers in On2, as a mish-mash of the different railroads. He scratch-built things he liked regardless of which railroad they came from, and he ran them all together as one.
One of the things he built was the Monson plow -- which I have somewhere. He was meticulous about detail... I'll try to find it and shoot some pictures of it.

bperch replied:

Stephen,

At least you can blame your dad for the two-foot disease.  Mine came frow who knows where.  I guess I can blame Moody and his book and all the narrow gauge lokeys in the coal region.  Anyway, photograph the underside and see if he went prototype or just used two trucks.  It really wouldn't matter as everything is hidden.  Chances are that if I modeled in two foot, I would have gone the way of your dad.  I would have difficulty sticking to any particular railroad.  Maybe it is good that I am sticking to making patterns for WW&F full sized projects.

Bernie

2044

Museum Discussion / Re: Weed Killer for Tracks

« on: September 01, 2010, 07:11:16 AM »

The cart described (as I envision it) would be fine for weeds growing through the ballast. However, in my experience, very few weeds seem to be growing in the ballast. The ones that are can (usually) be plucked by hand as you walk the ROW.

The big job is the 30' of clearing on each side of the tracks. With multiple gulleys, embankments, stumps, rocks, and other obstacles, it is a painful, time-consuming process to trim back the vegetation every year. I strongly support the purchase of a machine that can help automate that trimming.

2045

Museum Discussion / Re: B&H tank at WW&F

« on: September 01, 2010, 07:05:49 AM »

I have inquired with ExxonMobil (corporate) directly about funding the restoration of the tank. They are not interested. Their charitable foundation is focused on environmental, health, and other issues... they do not fund historic restorations.

2046

General Discussion / Re: How's the economy up there?

« on: August 30, 2010, 09:21:30 AM »

[Moderator's Note]
While a tad off topic for this forum, I'll let this conversation proceed in so far that it stays clear of the politics involved with the current economic situation, including past and present lawmakers, etc. Let's keep it focused on "on the ground" observations (such as Jock's subdivision example) and not full of various statistics, etc.

After a fantastic week in Maine last week on vacation, I'm sure I'm not the only one 'from away' who would jump at the chance to relocate closer to the WW&F.

2047

Volunteers / No 11 Model

« on: August 30, 2010, 07:45:59 AM »

Ken Flemming asked me to post the attached picture.

2048

The Original W&Q and WW&F: 1894-1933 / BLW Specs Sheet Records available #6 & #7

« on: August 16, 2010, 05:10:28 PM »

For most engines built by Baldwin between 1868-1938, the mechanical specifications sheets/books have been digitized and can now be searched online:
http://digitalcollections.smu.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/rwy&CISOPTR=32&CISOBOX=1&REC=1

These are digitizations of the specification sheets at DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.

I found the sheets for WW&F #6 & #7 - and have linked them here. Be careful, they are large image files.
http://www.wwfry.org/pics/Spec_Sheets/WWFNo6.png
http://www.wwfry.org/pics/Spec_Sheets/WWFNo7.png

2049

Bridgton & Saco River Railway / Re: This week's Bridgton News

« on: August 04, 2010, 10:20:20 AM »

Here's a direct link to the article in the "Irregular":
http://www.theirregular.com/news/2010-07-28/Front_Page/Could_Kingfield_be_home_for_narrow_gauge_museum_an.html

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Other Narrow Gauge / Re: East Broad Top Railroad Creates Fund to Stabilize Leaning Blacksmith Shop

« on: July 31, 2010, 10:43:07 AM »

On Father's Day this year, I had the pleasure of visiting the EBT for the first time. If you have never had the chance to experience this treasure, I urge you to go. Be sure to take the shop tour and a speeder ride too.

When my wife and daughter asked if there was something I would like in the gift shop for Father's Day, I told them I would love a "Ticket for Preservation" for the Blacksmith shop. So instead of getting a book or video, I ended up with ticket #50... which I look forward to redeeming for a future tour of the restored facility.

I'm also wondering if there would be interest for a "crew" of WW&F members to make a trip down to the EBT for one of their work weekends. Ideally, this would be on a weekend that we are not expecting a crowd, running steam, etc.) Upcoming dates include September 11-12 and November 13-14. (The Sept date is the week before the WW&F Fall Festival, and November 13-14 has no major WW&F events scheduled.)

I would envision renting a van and driving down as a group to minimize costs. If there is interest, please email me or send me a private message on the forum.

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Other Narrow Gauge / East Broad Top Railroad Creates Fund to Stabilize Leaning Blacksmith Shop

« on: July 31, 2010, 10:24:42 AM »

East Broad Top Railroad Creates Fund
to Stabilize Leaning Blacksmith Shop

Press release

As it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its reopening, the East Broad Top Railroad is making it easy for fans to contribute to a preservation fund whose first project will be making critical structural repairs to the blacksmith shop, a highly visible component of the railroad's historic shops complex.

The railroad is selling special $50 "Tickets to Preservation" and setting the money aside in a dedicated account. The goal of the "$50 for the 50th" campaign is to raise $50,000 by selling 1,000 of the tickets this year. The tickets are available at the EBT station, by mail, or by phone.

The first use of the money will be to hire a contractor to straighten and stabilize the blacksmith shop. The all-volunteer Friends of the East Broad Top will then repair rotted walls and doors, fix windows, seal the roof, and clean up the interior so that the building can be included on tours of the historic site. Each ticket will entitle the bearer to a tour of the blacksmith shop with a railroad tour guide as soon as the repairs are complete. Money left over after the blacksmith shop is repaired will go to other important preservation projects at the railroad.

The blacksmith shop, like the famous tower in Pisa, leans noticeably to one side—it's been sinking for decades into the soft soil beneath the railroad's Rockhill Furnace yard, which was once farmland. The structure dates to the turn of the last century, but its builders apparently never expected that it would still be standing over 100 years later.

In conjunction with the railroad's nearby foundry, where the railroad could cast parts in either iron or brass, the blacksmith shop was an important part of the EBT shops complex: It was where metal parts were heated and shaped as necessary. The blacksmith shop is dominated by forges, anvils, and a huge steam-powered hammer for pounding hot metal into the desired shape. Key components of the railroad's 200-plus coal-carrying hopper cars were fabricated there.

It was a longtime member of the Friends of the East Broad Top, Dave Richards, who located a contractor willing to do the necessary structural work. The contractor works chiefly on barns, to which the blacksmith shop bears a strong structural resemblance.

This season the Friends of the East Broad Top are also making roof and wall repairs to the main shops building, restoring a passenger car built in the 1880s, completing work on a museum complex in Robertsdale, Pa., and undertaking other projects. The Friends work closely with the East Broad Top Railroad Preservation Association, which took over operation of the railroad last year from its owners, the Kovalchick family of Indiana, Pa.

Chartered in 1856, the 33-mile long East Broad Top ran its first trains in 1873. For much of its life it primarily hauled clean-burning Broad Top Mountain coal from the mines around Robertsdale to Mount Union, Pa., where some of the coal fed brick plants and the rest was shipped out to customers elsewhere via the Pennsylvania Railroad. The railroad closed in 1956, but reopened in August 1960 to run steam-powered passenger trains for visitors. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964, it is the last survivng narrow-gauge railroad east of the Rocky Mountains, with its rails three feet apart instead of the standard 4' 8½".

The 50th anniversary season continues every weekend through the end of October. The EBT will also run several days' worth of Santa Trains after Thanksgiving. For schedule details visit the railroad's Web site at ebtrr.com.

To purchase a "Ticket for Preservation," visit the station in Rockhill Furnace, Pa.; call (814)-447-3011; or send a check to East Broad Top Railroad Preservation Association, P.O. Box 158, Rockhill Furnace, Pa. 17249.

East Broad Top Railroad Preservation Association
P.O. Box 158, Rockhill Furnace, Pa. 17249

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Volunteers / Re: July 2010 Work Planning

« on: July 30, 2010, 05:26:54 PM »

Hi Mark,

On Saturdays and other "regular" volunteer days, some hardy souls start arriving at 6:30am, but its more likely that you'll find the bulk of the volunteer corps arriving between 7am and 8am. Of course, you're welcome any time during the day, just stop in and introduce yourself.

Other days (Fridays, Holidays, and other days) may start later.

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US Two Footers / Re: Beaver Brook Farm Equipment For Sale

« on: July 20, 2010, 09:03:29 PM »

We've discussed this already.
Please see: http://forum.wwfry.org/index.php?topic=1180.0

The upshot is that the BOD has looked over the equipment, and determined that there is nothing for sale that would be a wise purchase for the Museum at this time.

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General Discussion / Re: Eagle Lake & West Branch *PICS*

« on: July 20, 2010, 08:58:58 PM »

I believe both engines are ex-NYC.
As far as any rail that is still there - in my opinion, it should be left there.

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Volunteers / Re: July 2010 Work Planning

« on: July 17, 2010, 07:50:21 AM »

[Moderator's Note]
Please do not fill up the "Work Planning" threads with good spirited (but off topic) banter. All other threads are game (until they get so out of hand that they get moved to Whimsical Weirdness & Foolery.)

The discussion regarding an ejection seat for Joe & Lindsay has been split off accordingly.

Thanks,

-Ed