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Museum Discussion / Re: WW&F Receives $5000 grant from Mass Bay RRE for coal/sand facility
« on: April 26, 2025, 06:47:49 PM »
That’s awesome news, and a great step towards making it a reality.
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Work and Events / Re: Spring Work Weekend 2024
« on: April 30, 2024, 05:23:58 PM »
Yea, we used to have ties and rails stored at MP 7, offloaded when we first reached that location in 2007. By 2009 we had moved the rail pile to ToM with the hopes of going down the mountain shortly there after. The rail pile might have been south of the milepost on the west side. I remember ties were stacked on one side of it, blocking the milepost from view when heading one direction. I do remember at Albees we had three piles of rail at one point. One small one for cropping and drilling, one “good” pile, and one pile that we were working with.
Nonetheless finding rail is always exciting. 😄
Nonetheless finding rail is always exciting. 😄
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Work and Events / Re: Spring Work Weekend 2024
« on: April 30, 2024, 11:40:56 AM »
Not to deter from the excitement, was that rail by any chance found on the east side of the track? If so, chances are it may have been a spacer or reach rail from a rail pile from years ago. We used to use several short section of 30 lb or less rail on the line side rail piles. There used to be one just near mile post 7 in the level area on the east. Then it was relocated just south of ToM.
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Work and Events / Re: WW&F No. 11 - Official Work Thread
« on: April 09, 2024, 01:05:35 PM »
Last week a small crew of guys from the WW&F consisting of Nick Simoneau, Tom Ross, Dante’ Lakin, Dan Malkowski, and myself went to the EBT to do some track work. However we got rained out, and ended up doing some various shop work instead which was equally enjoyable.
In the process of driving down, we brought an oval Railroad Crossing sign down that is more traditional to the PA area, including the EBT. The East Broad Top was kind enough to donate two vacuum pots that they had on hand, as well as one additional vacuum pot that was donated from someone who wishes to remain anonymous. The vacuum pots will be rebuilt, and used on #11 in the near future.
I would like to thank the East Broad Top, and our anonymous donor, for their generosity and kind donation to the project.
In the process of driving down, we brought an oval Railroad Crossing sign down that is more traditional to the PA area, including the EBT. The East Broad Top was kind enough to donate two vacuum pots that they had on hand, as well as one additional vacuum pot that was donated from someone who wishes to remain anonymous. The vacuum pots will be rebuilt, and used on #11 in the near future.
I would like to thank the East Broad Top, and our anonymous donor, for their generosity and kind donation to the project.
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Work and Events / Re: Spring Work Weekend 2024
« on: March 20, 2024, 08:39:21 PM »
I am sorry to hear you feel the last few work weekends have been unorganized Kevin. Others have mentioned this as well.
One important thing to note is the coordinators are now trying to figure out how to keep everyone busy with “smaller” projects so to speak. For me, coordinating the mountain work was a challenge on trying to figure out how to keep everyone busy. My first weekend was a little bumpy, but the next got better and better. The same will happen here as we begin to deviate away from track expansion temporarily at least.
A lot of work goes into the planning, and after 3 years of helping organize and plan work weekends while working on the mountain I can attest it can be stressful, but very rewarding.
One important thing to note is the coordinators are now trying to figure out how to keep everyone busy with “smaller” projects so to speak. For me, coordinating the mountain work was a challenge on trying to figure out how to keep everyone busy. My first weekend was a little bumpy, but the next got better and better. The same will happen here as we begin to deviate away from track expansion temporarily at least.
A lot of work goes into the planning, and after 3 years of helping organize and plan work weekends while working on the mountain I can attest it can be stressful, but very rewarding.
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Volunteers / Re: March 2024 work reports
« on: March 15, 2024, 08:01:34 PM »
I believe 120 volts is needed to turn a traction motor. The best way I can suggest to test it would be have a device where you can increase voltage up to 120. Chances are it may spin less than that, but it takes a lot of amperage to turn the motor.
On standard gauge engines with a single axle elevated, a welder can provide just enough power to turn a single motored axle at a speed of approximately 3mph.
On standard gauge engines with a single axle elevated, a welder can provide just enough power to turn a single motored axle at a speed of approximately 3mph.
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Volunteers / Re: Reducing Fire Danger on the Mountain
« on: March 15, 2024, 07:52:38 PM »
Steve you are quite right. Dry pine needles will literally burn like a gasoline soaked board at the touch of a hot cinder or ember. Dry grass of course presents a similar danger.
Unfortunately we are seeing dryer and dryer climates, with less and less snowfall each year now. We either end up with too much rain all at once, where it brings severe flooding, or we are dangerously dry.
Another thing I have thought of is using the around 3 tank cars of water to soak the right of way ditch to ditch on the mountain. At slow speeds, and on the morning before train time, this should provide enough saturation into the ground to reduce the fire danger a little more. Then leave the tank car loaded at ToM, or maybe even TBS on the tail track where it can be readily accessed.
A fire could easily start on the mountain on a class 3 fire danger day.
Unfortunately we are seeing dryer and dryer climates, with less and less snowfall each year now. We either end up with too much rain all at once, where it brings severe flooding, or we are dangerously dry.
Another thing I have thought of is using the around 3 tank cars of water to soak the right of way ditch to ditch on the mountain. At slow speeds, and on the morning before train time, this should provide enough saturation into the ground to reduce the fire danger a little more. Then leave the tank car loaded at ToM, or maybe even TBS on the tail track where it can be readily accessed.
A fire could easily start on the mountain on a class 3 fire danger day.
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Museum Discussion / Re: WW&F Winter Photo Shoot 2024 >>>Photo Album<<<
« on: February 24, 2024, 04:39:21 PM »
Beautiful photos Kevin. They truly look amazing.
It would be nice to get larger amounts of snow again like we used to. (Throws arms up in self defense) I personally enjoy the challenges winter railroading brings, as well as it’s nice to see trains in the snow.
It would be nice to get larger amounts of snow again like we used to. (Throws arms up in self defense) I personally enjoy the challenges winter railroading brings, as well as it’s nice to see trains in the snow.
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Work and Events / Re: WW&F No. 11 - Official Work Thread
« on: July 14, 2023, 07:45:35 AM »
In Wayne’s memory, I hope anyone who hasn’t contributed to the build 11 fund will join me in donating in honor of Wayne. I am guilty of not contributing to the campaign thus far, but thought what better way to honor such an important part of our organization than by donating to a project he was such a huge part of.
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Volunteers / Re: May 2023 work reports
« on: May 13, 2023, 07:25:25 PM »
42 people rode for Dwight’s train in his memory today. What a way to celebrate Dwight.
Today gave me a chance to reflect many fond memories Dwight. I didn’t get a chance to share them, but I remember when we all would be tree cutting the RoW, discovered the rails at Top of the Mountain, walked down the mountain, and countless other times. I can remember back when I first started, telling folks that half of our regular volunteers at the time lived in Mass. Dwight included. Many of these volunteers have since relocated to be closer to the museum. Dave B gave a brief speech at Alna Center and asked for a moment of silence. After the silence was a long blast of the whistle to honor Dwight. The engine, crew, and many others really went all out for our dear friend. (With what I suspect may be our first memorial train?) Going down the Mountain, and thinking of all the walks and days many of us spent alongside Dwight made me truly happy that he was able to see it completed.
Back to the day, there were an additional 86 passengers who rode with us for the full ride, or did the tea event. All of whom had an amazing time.
Today gave me a chance to reflect many fond memories Dwight. I didn’t get a chance to share them, but I remember when we all would be tree cutting the RoW, discovered the rails at Top of the Mountain, walked down the mountain, and countless other times. I can remember back when I first started, telling folks that half of our regular volunteers at the time lived in Mass. Dwight included. Many of these volunteers have since relocated to be closer to the museum. Dave B gave a brief speech at Alna Center and asked for a moment of silence. After the silence was a long blast of the whistle to honor Dwight. The engine, crew, and many others really went all out for our dear friend. (With what I suspect may be our first memorial train?) Going down the Mountain, and thinking of all the walks and days many of us spent alongside Dwight made me truly happy that he was able to see it completed.
Back to the day, there were an additional 86 passengers who rode with us for the full ride, or did the tea event. All of whom had an amazing time.
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Work and Events / Re: Spring Work Weekend 2023
« on: May 05, 2023, 08:58:41 AM »
I just wanted to share this little bit from some folks I talked to, met, and got to know over the work weekend:
First and foremost, thank you to EVERYONE who went above and beyond, like we are so widely known to do, for making everyone, including new volunteers feel welcome, and important. There were a few new volunteers that this was their first time being at the museum. I can not stress enough how great it is that we have and keep such a welcome environment.
Job well done to everyone, and as always, it was great to see everyone, make new friends, and to be a small part of such a tremendous organization. We are continuing to carry on the memory of many dear friends, and passing the memories of them along to future generations as well.
First and foremost, thank you to EVERYONE who went above and beyond, like we are so widely known to do, for making everyone, including new volunteers feel welcome, and important. There were a few new volunteers that this was their first time being at the museum. I can not stress enough how great it is that we have and keep such a welcome environment.
Job well done to everyone, and as always, it was great to see everyone, make new friends, and to be a small part of such a tremendous organization. We are continuing to carry on the memory of many dear friends, and passing the memories of them along to future generations as well.
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Museum Discussion / Re: WW&F featured in June Trains magazine
« on: May 04, 2023, 06:26:01 PM »
I got my magazine today, and read the article. Very nice indeed. Of other interesting note is his first time visit and impression of the museum.
During the Spring Work Weekend I had the pleasure of speaking to many new volunteers, all of whom said they thoroughly enjoyed their first visit.
It is great to see the museum get recognition, but it is even better to hear of awesome first impressions. A first impression is everything to any organization.
During the Spring Work Weekend I had the pleasure of speaking to many new volunteers, all of whom said they thoroughly enjoyed their first visit.
It is great to see the museum get recognition, but it is even better to hear of awesome first impressions. A first impression is everything to any organization.
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General Discussion / Re: 7.5 in scale live steamer for sale (B&SR #7)
« on: April 28, 2023, 11:17:01 AM »
I reached out to the guy in hopes to purchase the engine, but it has been sold. 😔 What a beautiful engine though.
As for the gauge issue, it should be relatively easy to regauge, outside frame and all. Maybe next time.
As for the gauge issue, it should be relatively easy to regauge, outside frame and all. Maybe next time.
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Work and Events / Re: Spring Work Weekend 2023
« on: April 28, 2023, 11:12:14 AM »
Yes, ideally 8am is when people begin to gather now for track work as well as a few other projects.
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Museum Discussion / Re: Leaves on The Mountain
« on: February 02, 2023, 01:45:27 PM »
Leaves are indeed a challenge to railroads. I stalled on a train at work this past fall. 9200’, 8600 tons with two engines. Tried suggesting we needed more power, but was told according to the book we were good for 9700 tons, ok to go. I argued that I don’t care what the book says, I am telling you the conditions of the track and this power. Yesterday we had 3 engines and 6,000 tons, 8,000’ and struggled to maintain 12-14mph going uphill. So we went, and stalled out a short time later. A few crews later, and the use of helpers 3 times finally made them decide to add power and leave the power on the train.
I think using leaf blowers on the mountain is a great idea, as Jason, and Steve have said. The trick will be to blow the tracks clear of leaves, and to blow the loose leaves onto the downhill side. It will take a little time to make this happen, but honestly this type of full clearing could honestly be done twice in the fall and should be ok so long as care is taken not to blow the leaves from the tracks to the downhill side.
So standard gauge railroads or railroads that run year round do this? No, however they use a high pressure washer in November to wash the “black rail” off. It’s called black rail because the crushed up leaves form a literal black rail grease, and makes the rails extremely slick. For both pulling and braking. Not fun. But this is their way of cleaning the tracks of leaves. As for the drainage, some places have the option of not worrying about it till it’s an issue.
I think using leaf blowers on the mountain is a great idea, as Jason, and Steve have said. The trick will be to blow the tracks clear of leaves, and to blow the loose leaves onto the downhill side. It will take a little time to make this happen, but honestly this type of full clearing could honestly be done twice in the fall and should be ok so long as care is taken not to blow the leaves from the tracks to the downhill side.
So standard gauge railroads or railroads that run year round do this? No, however they use a high pressure washer in November to wash the “black rail” off. It’s called black rail because the crushed up leaves form a literal black rail grease, and makes the rails extremely slick. For both pulling and braking. Not fun. But this is their way of cleaning the tracks of leaves. As for the drainage, some places have the option of not worrying about it till it’s an issue.