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Massachusetts' Two Footers / Re: Whithin Machine Works
« on: October 19, 2021, 05:24:50 PM »
Some 2 foot trackwork remaining at Whitin Machine Works in Whitinsville, MA
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Museum Discussion / Re: Movie about #9: "The Nine Lives of #9"
« on: October 02, 2021, 10:38:17 AM »
I too was a little confused about the dam construction in 1965 because I think that is the year my high school sweetheart and I visited Alice. She thought we were there to get married because she was a JP. No shotguns were necessary, however. 
Later in the movie it became apparent that she reached an agreement to stay on the property until her death and the part of the farm where the house, buildings, and engine shed were not part of the reservoir.
I also loved that the story really was about people and their passions and how we are bound together and inspired by our history.
2 Thumbs Up!!
Later in the movie it became apparent that she reached an agreement to stay on the property until her death and the part of the farm where the house, buildings, and engine shed were not part of the reservoir.
I also loved that the story really was about people and their passions and how we are bound together and inspired by our history.
2 Thumbs Up!!
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Work and Events / Re: Mountain Extension - Official Work Thread
« on: September 27, 2021, 06:15:54 PM »
It's safe to say that there will be increased railfan and photographer activity in that area, especially on weekends and during special events. We see some of that at the grade crossings now. There may be dangerous situations created because of parked cars and pedestrians.
I would assume that we've discussed this with the appropriate authorities and have an understanding of any concerns.
I would assume that we've discussed this with the appropriate authorities and have an understanding of any concerns.
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The Original W&Q and WW&F: 1894-1933 / Re: Wiscasset Upper Yard Artifacts
« on: August 14, 2021, 10:56:24 AM »
I am guessing that if we started a rumor that something was buried there, like WW&F No. 2, the digging would take care of itself.
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Museum Discussion / Re: New Injector for #9
« on: August 04, 2021, 05:24:43 PM »
It has the #4 nozzle. Jason spoke with Anthony and confirmed that it would be appropriate for #9.
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Museum Discussion / New Injector for #9
« on: August 04, 2021, 03:04:06 PM »
The museum has purchased a new boiler water injector for the fireman's side of #9. It will replace the injector that has been on the engine since its return to service and has often been a source of trouble. Recently it suffered a complete failure of a major component. One of our many talented members quickly machined a new part so we were able to return the engine to service without any disruption to scheduled operations.
As many of you know, new locomotive injectors of a size suitable for our small engines have not been manufactured in many years. We have had to rely on old injectors which are not in the best condition. Also, it is difficult to test and troubleshoot problems with them.
Because of the critical role that the injectors have in ensuring a safe and reliable operation, it was decided to make this investment when we were alerted to the availability of a new injector that will provide reliable operation for years to come.
The new injector has been manufactured by Anthony Duarte of Eccentric Engineer. He manufactures injectors and other components for the Live Steam hobby and recently produced a full size replica of a Number 4 Nathan Simplex injector which should be ideal for our engine. www.eccentricengineer.com
As finances permit, we plan on purchasing more of these for #9 engineer's side, #10, and #11.
As you can see, these are truly works of the machinist's art. The first picture gives a good idea of the complexity of these devices and the level of skill and knowledge required to successfully reproduce them. It also shows why it is not easy to figure out what might be wrong with one.
(this image borrowed from EE's Facebook page)
Our injector fresh from the oven:
The check valve:
As many of you know, new locomotive injectors of a size suitable for our small engines have not been manufactured in many years. We have had to rely on old injectors which are not in the best condition. Also, it is difficult to test and troubleshoot problems with them.
Because of the critical role that the injectors have in ensuring a safe and reliable operation, it was decided to make this investment when we were alerted to the availability of a new injector that will provide reliable operation for years to come.
The new injector has been manufactured by Anthony Duarte of Eccentric Engineer. He manufactures injectors and other components for the Live Steam hobby and recently produced a full size replica of a Number 4 Nathan Simplex injector which should be ideal for our engine. www.eccentricengineer.com
As finances permit, we plan on purchasing more of these for #9 engineer's side, #10, and #11.
As you can see, these are truly works of the machinist's art. The first picture gives a good idea of the complexity of these devices and the level of skill and knowledge required to successfully reproduce them. It also shows why it is not easy to figure out what might be wrong with one.
(this image borrowed from EE's Facebook page)
Our injector fresh from the oven:
The check valve:
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Museum Discussion / Re: Movie about #9: "The Nine Lives of #9"
« on: June 23, 2021, 09:08:00 PM »
For many events at AC, a 12V battery along with a converter to 120VAC would be a good solution. Modern projectors and PA systems don't use that many watts.
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Museum Discussion / Re: Movie about #9: "The Nine Lives of #9"
« on: June 23, 2021, 03:41:13 PM »
BTW, the northeast corner of CT is a lovely place. I'm not sure if the Ramsdell Farm isn't underwater, though?
Putnam has some nice restaurants and shops, the P&W goes through, Woodstock is a pretty town, the roads are good, and the scenery is, well, scenic. Further to the south Foxwoods can be entertaining in many ways.
Bill's Bread and Breakfast on Providence Street in Putnam has wonderful muffins and breakfast until 1PM.
Worcester also has some very good restaurants, a new ballpark, a BIG train station, and CSX intermodal yard.
If you go early and come back on late Saturday, the traffic will be heavy but 'should' not be too bad.
I may try to go. It would be nice if a couple of museum members could show up.
Putnam has some nice restaurants and shops, the P&W goes through, Woodstock is a pretty town, the roads are good, and the scenery is, well, scenic. Further to the south Foxwoods can be entertaining in many ways.
Bill's Bread and Breakfast on Providence Street in Putnam has wonderful muffins and breakfast until 1PM.
Worcester also has some very good restaurants, a new ballpark, a BIG train station, and CSX intermodal yard.
If you go early and come back on late Saturday, the traffic will be heavy but 'should' not be too bad.
I may try to go. It would be nice if a couple of museum members could show up.
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Work and Events / Re: Wheel Progress was made today at the WW&F...
« on: June 08, 2021, 05:58:34 PM »
Very imPRESSive!
Seriously though, a really great and thorough rebuild and clever adaptation of this press. Another valuable addition to our capabilities thanks to our dedicated volunteers.
Seriously though, a really great and thorough rebuild and clever adaptation of this press. Another valuable addition to our capabilities thanks to our dedicated volunteers.
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Work and Events / Re: WW&F No. 11 - Official Work Thread
« on: May 17, 2021, 02:11:36 PM »Yes that is a neat sequence of shots. How long did it take to heat the bar?Depending on the mass of the piece, anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Two torches were a must.
Jeff S.
Wayne will have a more detailed report soon.
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Work and Events / Re: Eames Train Brakes - Official Work Thread
« on: April 19, 2021, 05:07:21 PM »
Another thing to remember is that the actual pressure applied to the brake shoe is dependent upon how the force is transferred from the vacuum cylinder to the brake shoe.
On #9, if you look at the leverage that is gained by the arrangement of the brakes between the drivers, you can quickly see that the force from the vacuum cylinder is multiplied many times.
On #9, if you look at the leverage that is gained by the arrangement of the brakes between the drivers, you can quickly see that the force from the vacuum cylinder is multiplied many times.
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General Discussion / Cat on a hot train roof
« on: March 08, 2021, 02:15:06 PM »
I guess I needed a chuckle today because I got a laugh out of this....
https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/stubborn-cat-too-much-for-high-speed-train/
What I want to know is how did he/she get up there?
https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/stubborn-cat-too-much-for-high-speed-train/
What I want to know is how did he/she get up there?
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Volunteers / Re: March Work Reports
« on: March 04, 2021, 07:53:41 PM »
Pictures of moving the new big lathe in on Wednesday, March 3. A serious upgrade to our machine shop capabilities.
[
]
Many, many thanks to our neighbor, Ken Boudin, for the use of his space and equipment.
[
]Many, many thanks to our neighbor, Ken Boudin, for the use of his space and equipment.
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Museum Discussion / Re: A letter of encouragement
« on: February 01, 2021, 11:25:26 AM »
Perfect, just perfect. Excellent idea to make the most out of this crazy time.
Hey, don't we have two cabeese?
Hey, don't we have two cabeese?