Messages

31

Volunteers / Re: January 2024 Work Reports

« on: January 11, 2024, 10:48:10 AM »

Respectfully, Steve, I plan to try the next couple of storms with the blower.  I believe we have a good chance of minimizing the need for switch covers, which was an unconventional idea when I first proposed it about 5 years ago.  I am perfectly prepared to run the blower for our experiments- I appreciate you tackling it on Monday, Steve, and don't in any way mean to saddle (literally) you or anyone with the ill-effects of my ideas.  We're continually learning and refining- that's my goal anyway.

Thanks,
Jason

32

Volunteers / Re: January 2024 Work Reports

« on: January 08, 2024, 08:01:21 PM »

Folks, you might reserve judgement until you see this thing in action.  It readily blows ballast rocks away after it’s done with the snow.  I’m the afternoon we used it on some stiffer snow that the sun had worked on and it didn’t care.  We think two people working together- one with a switch broom and the other with the blower will keep the system effective for all but straight up ice.  This winter is the experiment year for this device.

Thanks
Jason

33

Volunteers / Re: January 2024 Work Reports

« on: January 08, 2024, 07:56:46 AM »

Todays plow train is still departing, however the timing will be closer to 11:30.  We will take the morning to prepare without rushing, take an early lunch, then go out.

All help is welcome,

Thanks
Jason

34

Volunteers / Re: January 2024 Work Reports

« on: January 07, 2024, 12:02:29 PM »

Anticipated Work
Week of January 8, 2024

Monday:
Snow clearing train departing Sheepscot 10:00am (or so).  Full TBS turn- first time plowing the Mountain.  Help is encouraged!

Tuesday:
Box56 will have its trucks installed.
Truck brake work will continue.
Coach 9.
Enginehouse.
Build11 possible

Wednesday:
Coach 9
Loco 9 maintenance
Build11 possible
Enginehouse possible.

Thursday:
V Brake Work
Enginehouse possible.

35

Volunteers / Re: January 2024 Work Reports

« on: January 04, 2024, 06:39:58 PM »

Our annual bridge inspection will take place on Saturday as well.

If we can we should get switch covers in place, and possibly pre-salt some of the tough crossings.

Thanks
Jason

36

Volunteers / Re: January 2024 Work Reports

« on: January 01, 2024, 06:52:50 PM »

Anticipated Work
Week of January 1, 2024

Monday: Happy New Year!

Tuesday:
Shop stove repair
Build11
Coach 9
Truck Work (brake install on coach 3 truck)
V Brake (cylinder work, design work)
Maybe enginehouse
Loco 9: if anyone is available to prepare 9 for maintenance work, we’d appreciate it)
Outside clean up: if anyone is available to help with removing the old wood shed and the surrounding hazards, we can prioritize that.

Wednesday:
Build11
Coach 9
Loco 9 maintenance (help is welcome and encouraged!)
Enginehouse

Thursday:
Build11
Loco 9 maintenance
V Brakes
Enginehouse

Note: we are eyeing a storm next weekend, with a possible snow clearing operation early next week.  We always need help for those.

Thanks
Jason

37

Volunteers / Re: December 2023 Work Reports

« on: December 30, 2023, 05:52:41 PM »

Thanks James.

These trucks will become Box56’s permanent trucks.  Their wheel condition is appropriate for this car.

Coach 8’s current trucks will be removed and replaced with the rebuilt J&S trucks (with V Brakes).

Coach 8’s then former trucks will be outfitted with V Brakes.  One will go to flat 34, the other to flat 126.

One current truck on flat 126 is in dire need of rebuilding including all new oak.  This will be done- after which it will be placed under flat 34 (without V Brakes).

The big picture here is to optimize wheel condition and v brake availability under our most used passenger-capable equipment. 

Thanks
Jason

38

Volunteers / Re: December 2023 Work Reports

« on: December 26, 2023, 09:01:27 AM »

Anticipated Work
Week of December 25, 2023

Monday: Merry Christmas!

Tuesday: I am not in, however Eric may have a coach team working, while Brendan may have enginehouse work.  Maybe others working. (No truck team this week).

Wednesday: I plan to clean the ash and clutter from the East and northeast sides of the shop.  I’ll congregate ash against the west edge of the west lot (there’s a pile started) and begin figuring out a means of disposal.  I’d appreciate help with this task if anyone is available.

Eric and Brendan may each have their respective tasks proceeding.

Thursday: V brake and office work for me.  Possibly some Build11 activity.

A line inspection would be appropriate if we can squeeze it in.

Thanks
Jason

39

Volunteers / Re: December 2023 Work Reports

« on: December 21, 2023, 07:39:54 AM »

An ash dumpster is the plan- we just need to put a half day into cleaning up what’s there and setting up the dumpster.  We used an ash dumpster last year but this year we weren’t quite prepared on that level when heating season started. 

I’m asking for the help in part to try to tap into a larger labor pool and in part because this task needs to be done above freezing.  The piles are so wet now that when below freezing they are solid blocks.

Thanks
Jason

40

Volunteers / Re: December 2023 Work Reports

« on: December 20, 2023, 05:24:29 PM »

The main line was inspected today by Dan and I and found mostly clear.  We had to cut up one blow down.

I have two requests for help- possible someone Saturday?

1.  A clean up train picking up debris along the entire mainline.  (That was too much for just two of us today).  There is also a large blow down blocking Averill Road about half way between 218 and AC station.  The cell booster antenna mast also blew off AC station.

2.  Can someone clean up the significant piles of ash along the east side of the shop and behind the shop around the shop 1 track lead?  There’s also two trash barrels full of ash that should go.  These have become a significant hazard as well as being an eye sore.  All ash should be piled together in the west parking lot (there’s a pile started) for later proper disposal.  We don’t have anyone dedicated to this duty right now- so if anyone could take the time with the tractor, shovels, etc, that’d be hugely appreciated.  Long term we need someone to pay attention to this. 

A reminder we also need weed whacking help for the February photo event.

Thanks,
Jason

41

Volunteers / Re: December 2023 Work Reports

« on: December 19, 2023, 09:06:46 AM »

Week of December 18, 2023

We had a major wind and rain storm on Monday.  On Tuesday morning the railroad remains without power.

I will assess the bridge and major sites today by road.

On Wednesday Dan and I will run an inspection and clean up train.  Departure 10:00am.  We’ll bring shovels, switch brooms, chain saws.  If possible please let us know if you plan on joining so we know how many to expect. 

I’m not sure of other work this week.  The house is on generator power but the shop has none.  It’ll likely be out all of today at least.

Thanks
Jason

42

Volunteers / Re: December 2023 Work Reports

« on: December 10, 2023, 06:04:49 PM »

Anticipated Work
Week of December 11, 2023

Monday:
I’ll be working on a CAD project and associated proposal.

Tuesday:
Jerry and Carlos will continue work on coach 3 truck

Tuesday/ Wednesday:
Coach 9 continues

Wednesday AM: steam charter to ToM/ SeaLyon for a news crew.
Wednesday PM: steam testing on the Mountain

Thursday PM: private charter to TBS

During the week: I (or anyone who cares to volunteer) need to machine and assemble parts for Box56 brake shaft for Marcel.

I suspect Brendan will be working on enginehouse doors much of the week.

Any other work plans for this week?  Please feel free to follow up post..

Thanks
Jason

43

Volunteers / Re: December 2023 Work Reports

« on: December 06, 2023, 07:42:31 AM »

Work week of December 4, 2023

I apologize I forgot to post this earlier.

Monday:
 I worked on improved brick arch crossmembers.
Bob L worked on loco 9’s smokebox and we made a plan to change sand in the sander.
Brendan worked on enginehouse door hinges.

Tuesday:
Steve L, Brian W, Leon W, Adam Fletcher changed a tie near ML&M crossing, inspected and cleared crossings from SS to ToM.
I retrieved vacuum brake components (from Lewiston) for Jerry and Carlos to install on trucks.
Jerry and Carlos continued the vacuum brake install on coach 3’s (current south) truck.
I removed the relevant parts of the prototype brick arch frame and welded new members as needed.
Brendan began building a new door.
Eric and Ron continued painting dark green with Epifanes Jason’s counsel.

Wednesday
Jason and Bob will install the revised brick arch, then remove old sand from box.
Eric and Ron will paint 1/2 day.
Brendan will likely continue door assembly.
Harold may be in to work on no 11 rear truck.

Thursday
Bob and Roger may load new sand if it comes.
Brendan enginehouse doors likely.
I’ll be working on a cad project.

44

Work and Events / Re: WW&F No. 9 - Official Work Thread

« on: November 28, 2023, 06:58:40 PM »

Roger has put in some long hard hours with me- he’s really an everything kind of guy.  I’d have been lost on this project without him.

Gordon assisted with design and machined the nozzles and nozzle sleeves.

Wes machined the blast pipe tubes.

Harold made a stack centering fixture.

Jerry and Carlos helped complete the brick arch frame. 

EDIT: Bob L also helped with the brick arch frame.

Thanks to Brian at ML&M for constant advice and idea verification, as well as specialized tooling.

Thanks to Joe Monty for forwarding a video of efforts at a German narrow gauge steam railroad which inspired the brick arch approach.  We’ve recently learned that B&SR 8 and possibly other Maine two foot locomotives were built with brick arches.  This will help combustion gas flow substantially.

We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.

45

Volunteers / Re: November 2023 Work Reports

« on: November 27, 2023, 03:47:10 PM »

Anticipated work
Week of November 26, 2023

Monday-Wednesday:
Completion of repairs and modifications to Loco 9, followed by load testing on Wednesday.  Mods include new nozzles and blast pipe, and a brick arch, in an effort to ease the load on the boiler as the Mountain has proven hard on it.  (Help is welcome Tuesday/ Wednesday.  Dan is conducting the test train Wednesday)

Tuesday/ Wednesday:
Coach 9
Build11 machining

Tuesday:
GE53 work possible (pending volunteer availability)