W.W.&F. Discussion Forum
WW&F Railway Museum Discussion => Volunteers => Topic started by: James Patten on December 02, 2015, 07:46:30 AM
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Anticipated work for Saturday Dec 5:
* Car barn: Continue on the north wall.
* Loco 9: Not much left to do I don't think.
* Other: It would be nice to start moving the tie pile out of the parking lot to somewhere else, so that when snow arrives we can plow for Victorian Christmas. Likewise we should remove the cones and tape. I suspect Mike wants to get the dozer, and work on the Kubota. It would also be nice to remove the rail from Flatcar 118 so that it's empty and available for use.
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Can we delay Christmas until Feb. 25th?
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If the ties could be moved to the near the woods track, perhaps scattered along side the track path with the tractor, and the rail also placed near the CB end of the woods track then on the SWW I could take a small team and work on the woods track while the larger team is working on ballasting the CB track and it's lead tracks.
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where is all this help coming from?
dwight
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Bill is referring to leading a team at the SWW = Spring Work Weekend.
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Ties have yet to be cut to length, so should be stored where that can be done. They are neatly stacked along the edge now, and we are loosing little parking area if left there.
And James is correct. Dozer retrieval will be this weekend. Want to get it back before the weather prevents it. I took a ride in an excavator once off the side of a lowbed trailer in the snow once, Only dropped about a foot on one side to the ground, enough to make your pucker pucker up. I would not want to do it from a flatcar, almost 3 feet off the ground.
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Here's my thougnts on the ties:
It took a day to stage them where they are and I don't think it makes sense to move them just for a few hours of parking 6 or 7 cars.
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Remove rail from flat car? Has the discussion been made that the 25 lb. rail will be used on the Woods Track? I don't want to have to put them back on a flat car in order to move the rails north and put the rails back in storage from where we got them last fall.
dwight
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I believe the need for a cleared flatcar involves its possible use in "megatrain."
-John
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What is 'megatrain'?
I'd leave the ties needing work where they are.
Yes, Case-y should come back home ASAP for cb area grading, various small jobs at S-cot.
Kubota-fix would make for nice indoor work for now.
Almost-done 9 looks mahvlussss!
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Would "megatrain" have anything to do with a possible doublehead with all the rolling stock in tow? ;D
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"Megatrain" was a slang term used at the 2014 Victorian Christmas to describe a train that consisted of a locomotive, coach 3, coach 8, excursion car 103, flat car 118 with railings, and caboose 320. One of these trains carried 197 passengers plus crew. The unusual feature was the use of 118 with railings, an accommodation not used since the very early days of the museum. If this year's crowd is as big as last year's, there is a distinct chance that a flat car with railings will again be used, hence the need for a cleared flat car.
-John
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I have to recommend against moving the ties- that's a big job and I don't believe we have the resources to pull it off.
Cars can be parked up against the tie piles as is; if the remaining aisles between car rows are tightened up some, we shouldn't lose parking.
We'd like to go to AC this weekend to scope out some details for the VC operating plan.
See ya
Jason
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Oh I missed James mention of freeing up 118- absolutely spot on!
Current plan is to use the 25 on woods track with a tighter tie spacing. Zack's ok w this too. So the rail can go in the crotch between barn track 3 and woods track for now.
Jason
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Work done today, December 5:
I had to leave at 2:15 so I missed a few things later in the day.
* Car barn: the north wall is nearly finished if not fully. The third bay was done, the second bay was nearly done, and the first bay was being worked on. Scafolding was down over barn bay 3.
* 118: We cleaned off the car, putting the 25-lb rail between the Woods track and the barn bay 3 track.
* Bulldozer: Mike and I got the dozer this afternoon, and spotted it on the unloading track back at Sheepscot. It was coming off as I was leaving.
* Loco 9: Big news for it. Hydro test Thursday, steam test Friday at which they discovered a bunch of leaks that they addressed yesterday and today, and another steam test today. Before light-off the dome cover was put back on in Bay 1, then it was put by the woodpile and lit off. I think it had pressure by lunch, after lunch Jason and crew spent time getting the various parts and pieces working. Josh was working on getting wiring to the rear headlight, which was being mounted at the same time. The whistle was blown while Mike and I were up getting the dozer (heard it pretty clearly), then again for me before I left (I could feel it in my chest - sounds great!). After I left it moved on its own power. My wife and I showed up just as it was returning from Alna Center towing Coach 3 and full carload of people.
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Absolutely wonderful.
Does it have the standard 5 year, 50,000 warranty?
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Does it have the standard 5 year, 50,000 warranty?
I think the warranty expired in 1896, Ira. :)
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Dozer move and unload.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/bbarry74004/IMG_3039.jpg)
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/bbarry74004/IMG_3042.jpg)
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/bbarry74004/IMG_3045.jpg)
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/bbarry74004/IMG_3050.jpg)
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/bbarry74004/IMG_3055.jpg)
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10 getting a tube cleaning.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/bbarry74004/IMG_2981.jpg)
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/bbarry74/bbarry74004/IMG_2995.jpg)
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A super-hardy huzzah to all those who put in years of time for this first unofficial trip to happen.
Well, well done Jason and helpers!
Now, will there be a local, and a skip-stop train, or a double header "megatrain" for Victorian Christmas service? :D
I also envision a big, post-holidays '9 steams/car barn's done' party for youze guys.
BTW, what is that red item under the tan tarp In the last tubes cleanout pic?
And, is Mike gonna run Case-y thru the car wash? ;D
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Paul, the red item is the air compressor that is part of Big Joe, our tamper. The white shell behind it is our other air compressor. Plan now is to use both together to improve the air supply to the tampers.
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Almost un-noticed in all of this is that #10's numbers and lettering have turned silver. Now both locomotives have the same color lettering.
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I don' know about anyone else but brown tarps instead of blue really looks great.
Oh AND a big thank you to all the people that made #9 under steam possible.
What a transformation.
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Yep. Brown tarps blend in better, not as visually glary as blue ones.
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Before Mike put the dozer away, he fixed the ruts in the east parking lot (by the shop). Please don't park there until it dries out.
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Almost un-noticed in all of this is that #10's numbers and lettering have turned silver. Now both locomotives have the same color lettering.
Any plans to paint the cab roof red? ;D
/Kevin
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That may happen when Marcel works on the cab early next year.
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A red cab roof on No. 10 would be great!
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Also forgot to mention, the tracks were cleaned off before I left. No steam clean or car wash, just shovel..
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There is a red roof on #10. It is under a layer of coal dust.
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After last weekend's spectacular test run of #9 this weekend will probably be a let down. But there's still work to do!
* Board meeting: Friday at 4:30
* Loco 9: I have no idea if there's anything left to do (probably there is).
* Victorian Christmas prep: Shop cleanup, gift shop prep, Alna Center prep, etc.
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Victorian Xmas clean up is VERY important. Plan to start tomorrow...
See ya
Jason
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I suggest VC prepping certainly, also maybe helping Mike pull three cylinder sleeves if not yet done, rebuild/reinstall Kubota's engine, maybe doing cb site finish drainage.
Then , take January off. ;D
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Paul, way to much to do to take January off. I think Kubota work will be on the back burner until after Victorian Christmas, at least for me. We have been getting lax on our house keeping, and that needs to be priority. Due to last weeks events, I think we will be very busy Victorian Christmas, and being ready will ease the mid week stress for the weekday crew. Plus, first impressions are lasting impressions.
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(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/Mobile%20Uploads/1212151054_zpskt6rpkhj.jpg)
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Wow Mike!
A little News coverage would be AWESOME!
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Work done Saturday December 12:
* Loco 9: fired up in part for additional testing, and in part because the local ABC affiliate, WMTW Channel 8, showed up to film us in advance of next Saturday. We'll be on their morning show at 7:15 next Saturday, and also on their website at some point. First trip was just coach 3 (after WMTW interviewed Dave B and Gordon D) to Alna Center and back. After lunch we 320 and 309 up to Alna Center, then down the Ladder and back up to give #9 a bit of a test.
* VC prep: Most of the clean up was done on Friday. Car 65 has been spotted at the end of Track 7 and will be open for people to view. Crews were busy yesterday gathering up scrap and burning it.
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The news crew was filming an episode for Hometown Maine. Hometown Maine goes to different places looking for something special in different towns. Things covered were some historical background on the railroad, and the importance the railway museum has on the town today. Another big attraction for them of course was seeing #9 being brought back to life and being a Portland built engine was a huge plus as well.
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Anticipated work for Saturday Dec 19: Victorian Christmas!
We need crowd control, parking control, tour guides, gift shop people, kitchen people, brakemen, etc. Weather looks to be sunny and warm for the time of year (in the 30s).
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Weather looks to be sunny and warm for the time of year (in the 30s).
The 1930s? ;)
I'll be there! I may have another person too.
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I'm betting the next few days will be the BUSIEST that youze guys have ever seen!
Ah, the responsibilities of well-deserved fame. ;)
Break a leg! ;D
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Early report for Saturday December 19 (Victorian Christmas):
* At least 1500 riders. Maybe more, my very rough count at 3 PM was over 1400, and there were 2 more train cycles plus the after-dark train after that. I was stationed at the Alna Center south switch all day, and the full trains only started reducing mid-afternoon. I was told by train crew that I asked around 1 or so that the line at Sheepscot was around the car shop. Cars lined up out on 218. The 2 trains worked pretty well from my standpoint.
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1558 people. 18 round trips; 6 trips per locomotive.
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Some pictures from Alna Center today:
#9 on it's first trip to Alna Center today, 2nd train
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/JamesCPatten/DSC_0002_zps0bklmfdf.jpg)
The "B" train pulling into the siding to go around the "A" train in the station
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/JamesCPatten/DSC_0004_zpssqzvicu7.jpg)
A line to see Santa. Yes, that's snow. We had a few snow showers
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/JamesCPatten/DSC_0010_zpsurxwunob.jpg)
#9's "B" train passes #10's "A" train.
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/JamesCPatten/DSC_0017_zpsa65ziqok.jpg)
The Verney horses
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/JamesCPatten/DSC_0028_zpse24lyofa.jpg)
Another line to see Santa, mid afternoon.
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/JamesCPatten/DSC_0030_zpsjwezsypu.jpg)
Kevin Madore was opining that he had yet to get a side-lit shot of #9, so I promised him one. He likes his shots "rods down" - so here you are Kevin!
(http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/JamesCPatten/DSC_0032_zpsm6uvnqc3.jpg)
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In the second pic, was 52 pulling the "B" train?
Congrats on a super-successful Saturday!
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Paul, in James's second picture, 52 is pulling--in order following the engine--Coach 3, Excursion Car 103 and the borrowed caboose, which I gather from labels to other pictures is the A Train.
Makes me think of Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train." I'm sure dating myself with that one!
Congratulations to all of such great teamwork!
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Actually the borrowed caboose was on the B train. Train A was 3, 103, and our caboose 320. Train B was 8, 118, and the borrowed caboose 554.
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Steve,
You weren't the only one thinking of Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train". It was in our minds as we put the consists together and added the letters. I guess we're just a musical bunch!
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I guess I should just stick to music identification and not caboose ID, ay? ::)
Sorry about my boo boo. Thanks for the correction Joe.
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Hey...you guys...you can do no wrong. ;D
Don't ever change!
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Anticipated work for Saturday December 26:
I'm sure we'll find something to do, but right now I can't think of what there is to do. #9 and #10 are put away for the season, with Jason taking a much-needed break. The car barn is essentially done, except for the doors. With Saturday being the day after Christmas, we probably won't have many people around.
* Kubota engine work
* Shingle mill work
* General clean up
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Work done on Saturday December 26:
* Shingle mill: Dana wanted to remove one of the legs so that he could measure it up for replicating. He unbolted it and it came off easy.
* Steam locos: Jason and family showed up to clean out #9 and #10 smoke boxes and fireboxes.
* Boxcar 67: Apparently heartened by my news that the GoFundMe campaign was doing very well (and has now surpassed the goal - thanks everyone!), people started tearing apart the boxcar this morning. By late afternoon it was a flatcar. See the Boxcar 67 thread for pictures of the work. Many rotten pieces of wood.
* Landscaping: Mike tooled around on the bulldozer and got a ditch carved out on the south side of the carbarn. Brendan also did something with it.
* Inventory: Linda decided to do inventory while it was still warmish. We finished up the inventory count for the year.
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Clean out crew: Bullet Bob, Jawsh u a, Dana Ald- no, Deering, me. Pushing assistance from everyone present. It was easy...
See ya
Jason
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It was so easy bullet Bob will be walking funny for a while..
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Got a little flow going, draining the water away from the south west corner, with the eventual plan of it crossing under Barry Lane and the roundhouse lead track, to drain into the ditch next to track 7
(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/Mobile%20Uploads/1226151052a_zpsgm2wd9bx.jpg)
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I should have thought to ask this earlier in the week... Normally I'd just bug Jason about this, but I don't know what his schedule is like right now so I'm hoping to crowd source this one.
Can someone either get a couple pictures, or shed some light on #9's vacuum brake control lever detent assembly? I'm aware that the assembly is comprised of a blade-type detent which rides in the handle in a casting shaped roughly like what I've sketched: https://goo.gl/photos/v8sPQCaBFK2vdcTr8
What I am uncertain about, is if there is any retention mechanism to keep the blade from sliding out of the handle- a keyway or something- or if it could just come straight out.
I'm in the middle of patterning a brake valve assembly for the new train brake system, and I'm second guessing the design for my detent assembly, and wanted to see if #9's could present a reasonable alternative.
So if someone is at the railway and has a free moment to grab a couple pictures if it's even possible to view the assembly, I'd very much appreciate it. Or- if one of the shop crew can shed some light on the situation that would work too.
Thanks!
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Well- a little background first...
No 9's control is a Westinghouse handle (including detent and detent spring) that was retrofitted to the bottom of the original Eames handle by Roscoe Woodman in the 1990's. The top was broken off or otherwise missing. So looking at what's there isn't representative of Eames practice.
I think the best source for seeing what our man Fred Eames did is in the Eames brake catolog...
See ya
Jason