W.W.&F. Discussion Forum

Worldwide Narrow Gauges => Other Narrow Gauge => Topic started by: Dylan Lambert on July 08, 2012, 09:21:59 AM

Title: Dugas and Leblanc 0-6-2T Sartola
Post by: Dylan Lambert on July 08, 2012, 09:21:59 AM
The purpose of this topic is to assist me in drawing up a proposal to take up with the group I volunteer with (although we are mostly rigged for "silent running" at the moment) with the intention to determine Sartola's availability for movement or transfer to another group, with the intent of gathering enough support on the local level to move it to a display location (which would need to be determined) in the town of East Brookfield, MA. I have a few potential locations in mind, but this is mostly a paper idea that I wish to develop. Sartola weighs in at 23000 lbs, whic (if I did my math right) equates to 11 1/2 tons. That is under the limit of 40 tons that would require a transport permit in MA, but I have yet to check the Connecticut requirements for a load like this. Then there would be a loading issue. Until I can make a run to Simsbury, CT to get a better look at the running gear, I'm running on the assumption that a crane would be required to unload and load Sartola, should this idea pan out. How should I go about this? I've had some experience in writing, but if this pans out, I'm flying blind on how to move the engine. I am thinking of a craneless solution, but I have some pricing and thinking to do before I consider such an option. I welcome any comments, criticisms and advice.
Title: Re: Dugas and Leblanc 0-6-2T Sartola
Post by: John McNamara on July 08, 2012, 10:00:13 AM
Can you tell us more about this locomotive? The 0-6-2 wheel arrangement seems quite rare, with most survivors in Hawaii according to http://www.steamlocomotive.com.

Is it currently on rails? Could one back a Landoll trailer up to it in its current location?
Title: Re: Dugas and Leblanc 0-6-2T Sartola
Post by: Dylan Lambert on July 08, 2012, 01:18:29 PM
Sartola is from the same plantation as No. 10. Two other surviving Dugas and Leblsnc locomotives (an 0-6-2 and a 0-4-4) are in Texas. Links to pictures on waymarking.com and the database entry for steam locomotive info below;
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMC5ZD_0_6_2_Type_Locomotive_Simsbury_Connecticut
http://www.steamlocomotive.info/vlocomotive.cfm?Display=27087
Title: Re: Dugas and Leblanc 0-6-2T Sartola
Post by: Mike the Choochoo Nix on July 08, 2012, 08:26:00 PM
Hi Dylan, I drive semi for a living. Most flatbed semi's even with heavy trailers should weight about 50.000 pounds or less empty. That leaves at least 30,000 payload. As long as the gross weight of the truck is not over 80,000 pounds you are good anywhere in the US. The only exceptions are some secondary roads and weight restricted bridges. It doesn't look like you would be over height or over width.
Mike Nix
Title: Re: Dugas and Leblanc 0-6-2T Sartola
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on July 09, 2012, 08:06:29 AM
Hi Dylan, welcome to the WW&F.

I appreciate the zeal and enthusiasm that you brought to the East Brookfield Depot situation. I'm glad that hasn't soured you, and instead it served as a great learning experience and motivation for other projects.

May I offer a few suggestions regarding the Sartola and East Brookfield.
It might not be a good idea, on a public message forum for all to see, to post that you have thoughts about acquiring someone else's railroad equipment - especially if that item is not currently for sale. As far as I can tell, the Sartola is being reasonably cared for, and is not for sale.

Instead, you may want to inquire with its owner first, then move forward with a public campaign.

Given that the proposed display site is East Brookfield, you may want to rethink the object itself. The Sartola has no connection to East Brookfield. Moreover there were no 30" railroads (that I know of) anywhere nearby, that the Sartola could represent. While it would be "cool" to have a real steam locomotive on display, in truth it would be no better off (historically) in East Brookfield than in Connecticut.

I suggest you find something of B&A, NYC, or Conrail heritage to restore and display. Maybe a freight car or caboose. Ideally, something that would have operated on the main line through East Brookfield. You may even get lucky and find a picture of that equipment in front of the East Brookfield depot.

Another thought might be to hold off on East Brookfield entirely, and instead try to work on assisting the folks in Chester, MA with their museum and display. Last I checked, the Chester roundhouse and coal tower were still standing. That entire site may have the potential of being a nice museum - even if there are no B&A steam locomotives left to complement it.

Or, if you have your heart set on working on a real steam locomotive, maybe you can work with the folks at the Steaming Tender in Palmer in getting their locomotive looking ready to roll (starting with replacement of that ridiculous looking fake stack.)

PS: I moved this thread from Massachusetts Two-footers to Other Narrow Gauge, since the locomotive in question is not a two-footer, and not in Massachusetts.
Title: Re: Dugas and Leblanc 0-6-2T Sartola
Post by: Dylan Lambert on July 09, 2012, 03:41:51 PM
Alright. Thanks for the food for thought everyone!  :)