W.W.&F. Discussion Forum
WW&F Railway Museum Discussion => Volunteers => Topic started by: James Patten on January 30, 2019, 06:45:42 AM
-
Anticipated work for Saturday Feb 2:
* Mountain Extension: felling trees & burning slash working between the bridge and the clearing.
* Car shop insulation
* Flatcar 34
-
Work done on Saturday Feb 2:
* Mountain Extension: we cut another 100 feet. Next week we'll get the two big pines by the bridge and that will be it for the northern part of the section between end of track and the bridge. There's still the southern part of that section to cut.
* Flatcar 34: Zack got the rods in for the truck side-to-side trusses.
-
Does Zack have builder's drawings to go by with his restoration work? I wish we could do a restoration video series with him - his woodworking is more art than just measure and cut.
-
Zacks progress so far
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0202191544_zpswx59pyfg.jpg)
Starting the morning, walking in
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0202190809a_zps7t956zsc.jpg)
Lunch time
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0202191116_zpsbiich9xq.jpg)
2 shots from the north end of Saw Mill Curve. Leon and HWMNBM, standing about 100 feet south of the bridge.
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0202191400_Burst01_zpspghisklc.jpg)
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0202191400a_Burst01_zpsgsc4dfdv.jpg)
End of day
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0202191455_zpsr74szljo.jpg)
Now, how about a little look back at a year ago. And compare to today.
January 29th 2019, according to my google account
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0131181356_zpsq9cgclsf.jpg)
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0131181439_zpsbgrauzxd.jpg)
Today
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0202190754_Burst01_zpst5gvrbzx.jpg)
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0202191523c_zpsmwxpg6kr.jpg)
Next weekend we should finish cutting the north end by the bridge.
In 2 weeks, we will be at the end of track, and the north end of Saw Mill Curve working towards the end of track and possibly in between for our Steam and Saws event.
-
I forgot to mention, Fred really likes the bottle jack trick I started using to make the trees fall somewhere near we want them. Just a little extra persuation. Better than a wedge.. So if you happen to notice a stump with a notch or a pocket cut out of it, that is why..
-
Some more Mountain Extension tree clearing photos from today can be found here (http://forum.wwfry.org/index.php/topic,898.msg40502.html#msg40502)
Some photos from Saturday morning:
Our weekday crew has been busy insulating the shop building. Here's a photo of ceiling Rockwool insulation installed over bay 3, looking toward the south door.
(https://i.imgur.com/7oNgGZK.jpg)
View of bay 3 looking toward the north door.
(https://i.imgur.com/z3Eb9BW.jpg)
Fred Morse tends the north coal stove between bays 2 and 3.
(https://i.imgur.com/1x8XguU.jpg)
Early Saturday morning view of the B&SR flatcar work in bay 2. Mike posted a later view showing today's progress on the car.
(https://i.imgur.com/D8ES4Cg.jpg?1)
-
Quite a bit of progress occurring in the shop. The flatcar is nicely taking shape.
Jeff S.
-
Has the other stove arrived yet? Do they make any difference in the temperature?
-
Has the third stove arrived? The third stove is the same as the first stove.
-
A third stove? Oh, my.
-
Unless things have changed (which happens about every 15 minutes), there's only two stoves.
-
Is that sign on the door behind Fred directed at the stove?
We can't say the stove is too young to smoke - maybe tell it that "smoking is
not good for you."? ::)
-
Unless things have changed (which happens about every 15 minutes), there's only two stoves.
I thought it was every five minutes. ::)
Jeff S.
-
Anticipated work for Saturday Feb 9:
* Mountain Extension: tree cutting immediately south of the bridge, this will be the last on this stretch before we move south.
* Flatcar 34
* Insulation
* Board meeting at 4
-
Saturdays location of cutting and burning may change. Gusty winds of up to 40mph are expected. Depending on direction, I may elect to not cut by the bridge, and instead work near Saw Mill curve. Wind direction will determine that Saturday morning. But we will still be cutting...
-
Work done on Saturday Feb 9:
* Cutting: south side of the bridge has been cut. Clear sailing to almost the end of the straightaway.
* Flatcar 34: Zack worked to get the bolsters and draft gear on.
* Car shop: Jay was installing more insulation.
* Thinking: Several parties were doing heavy duty thinking work.
-
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
-
Anticipated work for weekend of Feb 16-17:
"Steam and Sleighs/Steam and Saws"
* Public steam trains on both Saturday and Sunday, with sleigh at Alna Center.
* Mountain Extension: tree cutting at/near end of track on Saturday. Come prepped for burn holes in your clothing.
* Shop insulation
* Flatcar 34
* Whitefield Lions Club Train and Dollhouse Show: Augusta Armory. We have 3 tables, with two attendees. A third would be greatly appreciated. I leave Sheepscot for Augusta at 8.
-
Any recent photos of flatcar 34?
Jeff S.
-
There are several recent photos of the progress of B&SR Flat 34 on the WW&F Facebook page.
-
No. 9 posed next to a self propelled steam fire pumper being delivered to Maine Locomotive and Machine for boiler work. No. 9 was out making trips for fireman training.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/monson%203/IMG_8860.jpg)
Fred plowing out the right of way at 218 this morning. We plowed out the right of way down to the bridge.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/monson%203/IMG_8932.jpg)
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/monson%203/IMG_8935.jpg)
-
What a unique picture of 9 and the steam powered fire pumper.
-
That is one cool photo. Should be next year's calendar.
-
More cool photos. Thanks, Brendan.
-
Thanks Brendan for those, I would say, cold pics.Will the WW&F firemen train as firemen to use that steam firepump .I hope all my fire will warm you up a bit. Oh my god ! It"s high time I stopped the lousy puns.
-
Nice photos, Brendan Who does the steam pumper belong to? How was it loaded onto a flatcar?
Jeff S.
-
Nice photos, Brendan Who does the steam pumper belong to? How was it loaded onto a flatcar?
Jeff S.
I don't know who owns the steam pumper. The steam pumper came in by truck to ML&M and had just been unloaded when we stopped for a picture. We were heading north and uncoupled from the train so people could take pictures.
Thanks Brendan for those, I would say, cold pics.Will the WW&F firemen train as firemen to use that steam firepump .I hope all my fire will warm you up a bit. Oh my god ! It"s high time I stopped the lousy puns.
I don't believe our crews will have anything to do with the fire pumper. After the boiler is fixed I believe the pumper will be shipped off to it's new owner.
-
Brendan:
I know it may have been hard to tell, but was the Pumper purpose built to be
self-propelled, or was it a conversion as some were. Most being internal combustion
drive units replacing the front truck.
The problem with a steam driven pumper was they had to raise steam to move at all.
Whereas with horse-drawn steam Pumpers steam could be raised by the time they got to the fire.
The horses providing the forced draft. Unless the conflagration was next door.
-
Steam driven. Note the big steering wheel. This design was a modification of the horse drawn steam pumper, and this may still have the tow points.
Ahrens-Fox
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/PSM_V47_D508_Self_propelled_steam_engine_1895_zpsfgqji4sk.jpg)
-
The problem with a steam driven pumper was they had to raise steam to move at all.
Some steam driven pumpers may have been kept 'hot' with steam pressure in the boiler while slumbering in the fire house. That was also true in the case of some horse-pulled steam pumpers.
For instance, linked is an instruction manual for horse pumpers, "Handbook For American Fire Engine Company Steam Engines" that references connecting the pumper to "house steam" while in the fire house:
https://www.legeros.com/history/steamers/1897-manual.shtml
One section from that Pumper Handbook booklet ...
THE ENGINE HEATER.
A stationary heater for the fire engine consists of a small boiler, placed at some convenient point near the same when in quarters. It is connected with the engine boiler by means of automatic couplings and suitable circulating pipes, the entire arrangement being adapted to maintain the water contained therein at any temperature desired.
Although the best types of fire engines boilers require but a few minutes time to generate a working pressure from cold water, the general adoption of the many modern improvements for facilitating the movements of the men and apparatus has made the stationary heater an essential part of a complete equipment.
A very reliable and satisfactory heater for this duty is built by the American Fire Engine Company. It is fully shown in the accompanying illustrations, and explicit directions for operating the same are appended.
Experience proves that the life of the boiler is prolonged by being kept constantly in a state of activity, and the elevated temperature of the water insures prompt and efficient work by the steamer at the very time when a few moments delay may breed disaster.
It seems reasonable to expect that the same "house steam" system already in the fire house would have been used to keep steam propelled pumpers ready to move in short order (after disconnecting the "house steam" lines, of course).
-
Went for a ride today. My sister had purchased tickets for the 10:30, so the Mrs and I tagged along..
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0217191127_Burst01_zpspzgowfdl.jpg)
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0217191127a_Burst01_zpsvuhhdnqa.jpg)
And a couple of shots with Bill and Bob
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0217191127d_zps7j02e8ab.jpg)
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0217191127e_zpsvbsrhzjr.jpg)
-
Thanks for the pictures Mike
And thanks for the excerpt Graham
-
Thanks for the pics Mike . BTW how does it feel to be a mere rider for once ? wwfry.org/Smileys/default/wink.gif
-
Alain, it was tough.. I wanted to jump right in and help but the crew was all set with plenty of brakeman and Steve P. as conductor. Something he was very comfortable doing. My sister said he had a great voice for it (deep and clear).
I have been a participant in several events thrown by the museum, but never a patron.. So today I was. But, I did give the family a guided tour. So does that count as working?? We even visited the bridge..
-
Steve P is able to portray to a large audience extremely well without coming across as angry or yelling. (Must be his inner teacher)
-
Hello Mike !For sure it counts, you worked as a WW&F special guide for a selected rider party.
-
Thanks for the kind words guys. I do love serving as conductor, and it is my pleasure to get people to their destination safely, and help them enjoy their time visiting the railway. The not yelling but being able to be heard thing is definitely a teacher thing.
One of the nice benefits of coming into Sheepscot with just the last vestibule on the platform is the privilege of personally thanking each of our passengers for traveling with us as they detrain and sharing a last moment with them.
I find that I don't talk too much about the railroad, other than usually touching on where the railway ran (based on our ticket) why narrow gauge was used, and some of the impacts the railroad had on life. Mostly, I want to know who our riders are, where they come from, why they are visiting us and how they are doing. Railroad therapy, as it were. The personal connection is real- in its day, the narrow gauge had a small number of conductors and they developed meaningful relationships and friendships with their passengers- that is part of the experience I strive to capture.
-
Anticipated work for Saturday Feb 23:
* Mountain Extension: clearing more trees from the ROW. Somewhere north of end of track.
* Flatcar 34
* Carshop insulation
-
I’m planning on coming up for this weekend, any tools I should bring?
-
We should have everything needed for the projects listed. Just need help doing them. 😁
-
Better late than never on some photos from last Saturday, I hope...
Work ("Steam and Saws") train X52 departed Sheepscot at 8.55 a.m. for the end of track, site of Saturday's tree clearing on our Mountain Extension. The trip took a bit longer than expected. A few photos why.
Looking south at Brook Crossing toward Sheepscot. Snow, rain and an overnight hard freeze ensured flangeways at crossing were encased in ice between Sheepscot and Alna Center.
(https://i.imgur.com/YK9vdi7.jpg?1)
Looking north at Brook Crossing, as our intrepid volunteers cleared the crossing.
(https://i.imgur.com/hKg59xh.jpg?1)
We reached Alna Center around 10 a.m. From there, the trip was much quicker, although we found this on the north main line stub switch at Top of Mountain.
(https://i.imgur.com/GoK1xtV.jpg?1)
We reached end of track on the Mountain a litle before 10.30 a.m. I'll post more photos on the Mountain Extension thread shortly.
-
Saturday Mountain Extension photos can be found here (http://forum.wwfry.org/index.php/topic,898.msg40718.html#msg40718).
-
I may have just won the award for ugliest thing to ever be seen on the railroad. That sweatshirt and hat are painful to look at. Haha
-
Orange/bright clothing is pretty much mandatory for track work during hunting season. Keep it around; just avoid wearing it on public operating days (especially during photo charters.) See the "Sources for Period Clothing" thread for ideas on appropriate threads.
-
Work done on Saturday Feb 23:
* Mountain Extension: More tree cutting near the end of track, working north back toward what we cleared earlier this year. Cutting got into the curve.
* Flatcar 34: Zack got most of the stake pockets in. The car has been flipped (sometime this week).
* Car shop insulation: Jay was working on wall boards in the extension. Some extra shelving has been put up.
* Loco 10: Rich and Rick scraped off some heavy grease from the running gear.
-
I wish I saw what Jay was working on, and would have taken a picture of that..
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0223191529_zps6sta1nar.jpg)
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0223191529a_zps4albovrs.jpg)
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0223191529b_zpschppnbpp.jpg)
-
I am impressed with how quickly the flatcar is coming together. Who had the honor of treating the sills?
Jeff S.
-
Fred was in last Sunday and did a lot of the copper napth (the green, abbreviated because the real word is way too long for me to remember) and finished it during the week, and Start did the priming.
-
Love to see Zack's work come together. Can't believe its going so fast. When do we start the next one?
-
Al also did copper nap.
-
Fred, it seems like you and Al are becoming the experts on copper nap application.
Jeff S.
-
What is left to do on the flatcar? Besides trucks, decking, couplers and brakes.
-
Brian, Couplers were mounted on the car frame while frame was upside down. Only knuckles need to be installed.
The brake wheel will be installed.
Deck planks may need painting or wood treatment.
Trucks. The B&SR marked trucks from box car 57 will go under B&SR flat car 34.
At some point in time the B&SR marked trucks under museum built flat car 126 will go under Box car 57. Car 126 when built by museum, was built with bigger size timbers than car 119. Museum wants to build a new pair of heavy duty trucks for flat car 126.
-
oh, last i saw there was only draft gear on the car. Super cool to see it moving along. Any idea how much longer till we have a functional flatcar?
-
maybe the last picture wasn't detailed enough but I didn't see any buffer springs in the draft gear box. Am I blind?
-
lets test to see if you are blind, how many fingers am i holding up?
-
Hey guys I have a question, is the milk car 65 back at WW&F for winter storage or is it not there this year?
-
65 never made it back to Sheepscot, it's still in Wiscasset. It may need to return at some point, as Maine DOT is doing some reconfiguring work in the area this year.