WW&F engines visting other Maine 2 foot railroads!

[Matthew Gustafson]

Although I posted a topic earlier about visting engines to WW&F. I want to know that could #9, #10, and #11 could vist MNGM & SR&RL? Can it happen?

[Ed Lecuyer]

Let's limit to 9 & 10, since 11 isn't built yet.

(Or, I guess it would be easiest to have 11 visit anywhere, since it only consists of a headlight, number plate, bell, and a couple of wheels.)

Since MNG is under FRA jurisdiction, operating 9 or 10 there would require a FRA waiver. If we cross 218, we'll upgrade 9 and 10 to FRA specifications.

Operating either at SR&RL would be more feasible, since they are insular. All it would take is dedicated interest and money to make that happen. (Both easier said than done.)

[Eric Bolton]

In all honesty besides having the 9 visit old home rails up in Phillips there is no reason for any of the WW&F locomotives to travel. It costs a lot of money to transport something of that size. The cost of the truck (cant put that on a trailer and tow with your pick up), insurances for the move and someone would have to go with the locomotive. Also something of that size would not be able to travel on just any road. Also as pointed out above the FRA thing at MNG prohibits the 10 (and soon 9) from operating there. Its not that they are unfit for operation its just they dont meet some of the FRA operating requirements.

[Mike Fox]

I think Jason said the #9 will be close to or completely FRA compliant after the rebuild. Everything they have done so far has been with in the guide lines.

[Bill Piche]

I realize that it woudn't be needed, but it would probably almost be worth it to get a form 4 for #9 so that, whenever (if ever) the FRA jurisdiction kicks in, you wouldn't have to tear the engine apart for the inspection (along with possible tube replacement depending on the age, etc). A form 4 is good for 15 years of 1472 run days (I believe).

I don't know if that would open an FRA can of worms for you guys, though.

[Allan Fisher]

FRA has stated that a Form 4 does no good until they have jurisdiction. Engine will have to be stripped down at that time and measured.

Under present rules, and at our current rate of construction, we will not cross public highway until 2014 or 2015 at the earliest, and at that time both #9  & #10 will need to have Form 4 calculations.

Terribly frustrating - but that's the way it is.

[John McNamara]

Any chance of some kind of waiver for #9 or #10 to briefly visit MNGRR or SRRL?

[Allan Fisher]

FRA Waivers are almost impossible to get - and if you do get them they might take a year or two to issue one.

Example - Dan Markoff's 4-4-0 to travel on D&S NG applied for two years ago -  basically it has been pocket vetoed as it would mean a government employee would be signing his or her name to a document that could hold them responsible if anything happened (i.e. boiler explosion)

Don't need a waiver for the SR&RL as they are not subject to FRA Jurisdiction.

MNG has a public crossing that makes them subject to FRA oversight.

[Bill Piche]

FRA has stated that a Form 4 does no good until they have jurisdiction. Engine will have to be stripped down at that time and measured.

Under present rules, and at our current rate of construction, we will not cross public highway until 2014 or 2015 at the earliest, and at that time both #9  & #10 will need to have Form 4 calculations.

Terribly frustrating - but that's the way it is.

Well, here's hoping that they don't make you replace the tubes on #9 at that time. MNGRR #7 (ex B&SR #7) had to have her tubes replaced. They were almost 10 years old, but there was very little actual run time on them.

[Tom Casper]

Well, here's hoping that they don't make you replace the tubes on #9 at that time. MNGRR #7 (ex B&SR #7) had to have her tubes replaced. They were almost 10 years old, but there was very little actual run time on them.


Bill,  The form 4 requirements are to ultra sound the boiler with the tubes out.  They will be replaced when it gets its FRA certification unless they put in for a wavier as it will be a new boiler.  Only time will tell.

Tom C.

[Keith Taylor]

I may be wrong (I am usually!) but I understood that the lease with the owner of No.9 specifically stated that it not leave the property during the term of the lease. This would effectively preclude it visiting anywhere. And...as an irreplaceable artifact, if the vehicle carrying the 9 to another location were to have an accident, it would be a tragedy of incalculable dimensions.
Keith

[Matthew Gustafson]

What about #10? What does it need to run at other 2 foot railroads in Maine?

[Ed Lecuyer]

Same as #9. Money.
#10 will need FRA certification to run at MNG.
#10 will need someone to pay for moving it (plus BOD interest, etc.) to run at SR&RL, MNG, or Boothbay.

[Stephen Hussar]

No rails there, but I always liked James' idea of bringing No 10 to Whitefield for their centennial...

[John McNamara]

No rails there, but I always liked James' idea of bringing No 10 to Whitefield for their centennial...

Lack of rails never bothered us. Consider Monson's 175th when we laid 180 feet so that a Monson engine could run in that town again. To paraphrase from Treasure of Sierra Madre, "Rail? We don't need no stinkin' rail."