W.W.&F. Discussion Forum

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bernie Perch on June 24, 2012, 09:32:07 AM

Title: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Bernie Perch on June 24, 2012, 09:32:07 AM
I would like to mention that CNJ 113 moved under her own power in over 52 years.  It was only a few feet because of poor track, a balky power reverse unit, and a rod knuckle pin that had to be replaced.  We were not sure it was going to come off and with all kinds of tweaking going on it did not happen until the evening.  There is still much more tweaking to go before she is fully road worthy.  Two of us were wearing our WW&F hats.

An article is in the Pottsville Republican-Herald for today(Sunday 6-24-12), plus some photos in the gallery section.  republicanherald.com

Bernie
Title: Re: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on June 24, 2012, 02:53:47 PM
Congratulations Bernie!
Dave
Title: Re: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Mike Fox on June 24, 2012, 06:26:19 PM
Now I know where that locomotive is. Looked it over once while I was in the area. Congrats Bernie, Wayne and crew.
Title: Re: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Wayne Laepple on June 24, 2012, 06:58:12 PM
I don't deserve any credit on this project. I have done nothing more than take photos of No. 113.
Title: Re: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Mike Fox on June 25, 2012, 07:22:29 PM
Well then, thanks for the Photos
Title: Re: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Richard "Steam" Symmes on June 25, 2012, 09:12:55 PM
For those of us who don't know, can you tell us more about the #113, and the project?  Where exactly is this located and what's the history of the museum?
Title: Re: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Bernie Perch on June 25, 2012, 10:27:41 PM
CNJ 113 is one of two Jersey Central Railroad locomotives that escaped being scrapped.  The other is camelback 592, a 4-4-2 in the B & O Museum in Baltimore.  113 after a circuitious trip ended up in Minersville, PA for restoration.  The project is officially Railway Restoration Project 113, a 501 (C) (3) non profit corporation.  The locomotive arrived in 1991 and after a slow start has resulted in a locomotive almost ready to run.  113 is one of the heaviest 0-6-0 locomotives built, weighing over 95 tons in operating condition.  She was a parts locomotive and was totally stripped and large amounts of time were spent finding or making parts.  My part included making foundry patterns (sound familiar?) and writing grants, the latest just being a NRHS grant.  Her firebox was extensively rebuilt with a new door sheet, partial side sheets, over 900 new flexable stay bolts, and most of the mud ring rivets replaced.  To quote someone, "she wouldn't have made a static exhibit".  I could go on and on, but if you are interested, extensive articles are in the February 2009 and October 2010 issues of Railfan and Railroad, and the November 2010 issue of Trains.  There is an article planned for the December issue of Classic Trains.  Don Linn was there on Saturday interviewing Bob Kimmel (president of the organization).  Other articles have been written in other magazines and one in RYPN which seems to have been "lost".  Her tender tank is also completely new. The really remarkable thing about this restoration is that it was accomplished outdoors, sometimes under a tent affected by the weather and the seasons.

WW&F #10 is wearing a three chime whistle which grew out of this project when we wanted an exact CNJ whistle and couldn't purchase one.

If anyone has questions, PM me.

Bernie
Title: Re: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Stephen Hussar on June 26, 2012, 05:36:15 AM
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6235/6389723737_d5fa0d5be5_b.jpg)
Title: Re: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on June 26, 2012, 08:36:29 AM
What a beautiful loco now.
Duncan
Title: Re: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Richard "Steam" Symmes on June 26, 2012, 02:53:37 PM
I'm amazed at the scope of the project and how it was accomplished under rather primitive conditions.  It gives hope to similar situations which have been dragging on for years or even decades.  I think the key is dedication and determination.  Congratulations to all involved.

Once completed, where will it be able to run?

Title: Re: NNG An historic monent
Post by: Bernie Perch on June 26, 2012, 03:50:07 PM
At this point I don't know.  If Bob Kimmel has anything in mind, I haven't been informed.  The whole idea is to get the locomotive running well first, and I am sure there are going to be bugs to iron out.

Bernie