Messages

1

Volunteers / Re: March 2023 work reports

« on: March 18, 2023, 05:54:11 PM »

Work Done 3/18/2023:
* Mike, Dave, Brian, and Stewart (and possibly others) worked on clearing (cutting/burning) more land for parking and storage.
* Dan and Roger did some maintenance on no. 9.
* Nancy mad fish chowder for lunch.
* Linda and John Robertson worked in the archives.
* Dave and Ed did computer work
* Mike and Ed gave a tour to a recently retired couple from Texas looking to relocate to Maine.
* Mike made various equipment repairs - see below...

2

Work and Events / Re: WW&F No. 11 - Official Work Thread

« on: March 18, 2023, 02:09:05 PM »

No. The EBT couplers are not suitable for this project.

3

Volunteers / Re: March 2023 work reports

« on: March 16, 2023, 08:26:46 AM »

The Newsletters access needed to be moved off of the forum because our website host (which actually has the Newsletters) is changed.

Newsletters are now accessed at www.wwfry.org/newsletters

This also allows any member (not just forum participants) to access the Newsletters, so long as they know the password.

And that password is....

In the Member's Only section of the Forum, and can be distributed upon request.

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Moderator Announcements / Re: Newsletter Access is Currently Disabled

« on: March 14, 2023, 08:28:44 PM »

Newsletters are now accessible. See announcement.

5

Moderator Announcements / NEWSLETTERS!!!

« on: March 14, 2023, 08:27:59 PM »

As of March 2023, access to the Newsletter Archive has been changed.

The Newsletter Archive (including the most recent issue) is now accessed here:
https://wwfry.org/newsletters

The page is password protected. Please see the "member's only" announcement for the password.

The Newsletter archive page still requires some additional formatting for ease of use, but all Newsletters should be accessible.

Please do not share the direct links to these Newsletters to those outside of the WW&F organization. If you have a friend you want to pass on an individual issue (as a PDF file) to, please feel free to do so. Please refrain from posting these links on public forums, social media, etc.

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Moderator Announcements / Re: Newsletter Access is Currently Disabled

« on: March 14, 2023, 04:43:10 PM »

I am aware of the issue.

The new web site will require a different way to access our library of Newsletters. I hope to make those changes public tonight.

7

Work and Events / Re: Sheepscot Passenger Platform Reconstruction - Official Work Thread

« on: March 14, 2023, 04:40:00 PM »

It appears that the new platform will wrap around the new platform. Why is it better to go around the back side?

1. In order to avoid moving the freight shed (even temporarily) the new pilings needed to be driven behind the building, then beams will be inserted under the building to support the structure between the pilings on the front/platform side across to the rear side.

2. Rather than waste this newly created space, improved pedestrian flow can occur around the entire building. This will be especially helpful during special events when two trains of up to 100 passengers each could be boarding and unloading nearly simultaneously.

3. Note also that the handicap ramp will be located behind the Sheepscot station building. The preferred pedestrian flow will now bring visitors around the back side of the station (rather than right next to the End of Track) and place them in the space between the Sheepscot station and Gift Shop/Freight Shed entrance. This allows the Sheepscot ticket window to be used for its intended purpose - to greet passengers upon arrival. This will be much safer than the current arrangement. Currently, the station agent basically needs to occupy the space in front of the station - where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic during departure/arrival times. Routing the general flow of traffic around the building eliminates this bottleneck and creates a much more pleasant, and safer visitor experience.

4. Finally, this allows the front of the Sheepscot station to be restored to its common carrier era appearance - no ramp, just a simple step up to the platform.

8

Work and Events / Re: WW&F No. 11 - Official Work Thread

« on: March 13, 2023, 10:25:47 PM »

BUILD LOCOMOTIVE 11 - March Update
The work days in March were taken up by fitting up the forward frames to be perfectly level, square and correctly spaced. The goal was to be within 0.005 inch in both spacing and parallelism for the length of the frame. Meeting that tolerance took quite a lot of time and care, working with a machinist level and rule while making tiny adjustments with a series of screw jacks.

Jason, Gordon and Harold were also working to develop and design the rear draft gear. There was no Baldwin drawing or even specifications to follow, so the entire design was from scratch. The rear draft gear is a sprung design, which was something Baldwin had put on WW&F no. 7. It was unusual on a locomotive of that era, according to Jason. Gordon Cook said, “We wanted to be sure that it wouldn't cause a problem with harmonic oscillations in normal service, so the spring will be pretensioned so that it is only deflected under abnormal loading. Harold figured out what spring would meet that requirement, and found that an off-the-shelf truck spring would be about right. The next challenge was fitting everything in the short space that was defined by the erecting drawing. The coupler would need to pivot sufficiently to accommodate the sharpest curve the engine would encounter, while also providing the ability for the spring to function as desired. After several hours of modeling and thought, Jason realized that the pin that will hold the bolt which connects the spring plates and the spring to the coupler shank could provide that pivot point.” See illustrations.

Fund-raising is moving along slowly. We have raised a little more than $5,000 so far, or 10 percent of the goal for 2023. John Houghton, a long-time WW&F member from California, a strong supporter of the Build 11 Project, has offered to match all donations in March and April up to $1,000. This is a challenge that should not be passed up, since it doubles the dollars. If you haven’t yet made a contribution to the Build 11 Project, now is the time! Thank you, John!

Learn more and contribute at build11.org

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Work and Events / Re: Sheepscot Passenger Platform Reconstruction - Official Work Thread

« on: March 12, 2023, 09:57:45 PM »

I *think* Mark was referring to constructing something on the new Sheepscot platform.

Yes, that was considered, but quickly ruled out due to the plumbing required. There has been talk about adding a porta-potty to the Sheepscot area for busy days, as patrons typically do not see the Restrooms near the parking lot, then discover there are no facilities near the boarding platform. The giftshop and station crew would also appreciate facilities a bit closer to the action.

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The Original W&Q and WW&F: 1894-1933 / Historic Photos

« on: March 08, 2023, 08:57:26 PM »

David Chase sent these photos he found online and wanted to share on the forum.

11

Volunteers / Re: February 2023 Work Reports

« on: February 22, 2023, 09:33:40 AM »

Don't forget:

Storm Cleanup Friday February 24.
The usual- plow train to ToM, clear the north yard, all switches, passenger ramp, etc.

We'll need some extra help to pull this off so that we can run the trains on Saturday!
Please come help if you are available.

12

Volunteers / VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at SEALYON for Easter Eggspress

« on: February 16, 2023, 10:55:10 PM »

In order to try to keep the costs reasonable for the Easter Eggspress trains, we are looking for a few volunteers who can help at SeaLyon Farm on April 1 and April 8 for the Easter Eggspress. Specifically those who can help with the egg hunt (field setup, moderating the hunts, etc.) Those who would also be willing to do Springtime arts & crafts, face painting, etc., would also be welcome.

Anyone interested should let me know at ed.lecuyer@wwfry.org and I will put you in touch with Marcia Lyons.

Please help spread the word.

Thanks!

13

Work and Events / Re: Sheepscot Passenger Platform Reconstruction - Official Work Thread

« on: February 14, 2023, 07:03:15 PM »

The building was on the turntable because it won't fit past the water tower without removing the water spout so we were hoping to take it on the service track instead. However, it wouldn't clear the round house either.

WARNING

BUILDING ON CAR WILL NOT CLEAR SIDE OF BUILDING

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Volunteers / Re: February 2023 Work Reports

« on: February 11, 2023, 10:48:42 PM »

What's "entrance interviewing?"

When a volunteer expresses interest in joining the train crew, regardless of background or experience elsewhere, they sit down with the training officer (currently Jason is filling this role) to go through the basic safety rules, talk through a few things, with the understanding that the candidate will learn the rule book, do their best to adhere to those rules, etc. After passing a Safety test, they then are free to serve as Car Host on any public train, and begin the steps towards Brakeman certification through the Trainman program.

Today, Cullen Maher officially entered the WW&F train crew program. Welcome Cullen!

15

Work and Events / Build 11

« on: February 09, 2023, 10:55:43 PM »

Build 11 - February 2023 Update

Good progress was made on No. 11 by Rick, Gordon and Jason, with welcome help from new volunteers Noah MacAdam and Eric Snyder. During the most recent three-day work session (Jan. 31-Feb.2), the last two holes on the rear frame were reamed and the fitted bolts were installed.


Test-fitting the parts.
 
Then, using a circular saw with a diamond blade and a hand-held grinder, the square edges of the large rear frame extension casting were chamfered to provide a perfect fit between the casting and the forward frame. First, a 45-dgree cut was made with the saw, and then using the grinder, the edges were rounded off. The same technique was applied to the forward frames for a great fit.


Rear frame test fit.
 
Next, the forward frames were flipped right-side up. They were then clamped to the rear frame extension casting to test the fit and alignment. Careful measurements showed the forward frames were almost perfectly parallel, off by only a few thousandths of an inch! The rear frame will be flipped over during the next session in March, and fitting it to the rear frame extension casting will begin.



The forward frame fits well.
 
New volunteer Noah is joining Gordon in machining parts at his home workshop in New Hampshire. He is a skilled machinist and will join the team whenever possible. Eric will also assist as he is able.
 
On the fund-raising front, the 2023 effort has gotten off to a slow start. During January, we raised about one percent of the target amount of $50,000. If you haven’t contributed, we’re always happy to receive your donations to keep progress moving forward. The premiums for larger contributions are still available.

Thanks for your continued interest and support. Learn more at www.build11.org