46
Volunteers / Re: May 2021 Work Reports
« on: May 22, 2021, 05:13:55 PM »
Did the tie changing machine get used today?
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47
Work and Events / Re: Tie Changer Machine - Official Work Thread
« on: May 11, 2021, 05:14:19 PM »
Gas leak is fixed. We had a great demonstration on the machine from Wayne today. It seems that it will be very beneficial to the process of changing ties. It was nice to see so many new people, (to me), there today. I'm still a newcomer.
Brian W.
Brian W.
48
Work and Events / Re: Tie Changer Machine - Official Work Thread
« on: May 08, 2021, 03:11:09 PM »
On a more serious note...
It started on two pulls today, I have James as my witness. There is a slight gas leak on the bottom of the carburator which won't be a problem for now. It is not a fire hazard. There is a gas shut off at the tank for when it is not in use. I should have the leak fixed Tuesday but it is ok to use for now for learning/training.
There was no mouse nest in it but mud bees plugged up a lot of the fins on the engine. They are all cleared out now.
Brian W.
It started on two pulls today, I have James as my witness. There is a slight gas leak on the bottom of the carburator which won't be a problem for now. It is not a fire hazard. There is a gas shut off at the tank for when it is not in use. I should have the leak fixed Tuesday but it is ok to use for now for learning/training.
There was no mouse nest in it but mud bees plugged up a lot of the fins on the engine. They are all cleared out now.
Brian W.
49
Work and Events / Re: Tie Changer Machine - Official Work Thread
« on: May 08, 2021, 03:01:00 PM »
The problem I'm having now is that I have never owned an automatic transmission. There is basically no such thing as a manual transmission any more. So I have to sit on my left foot so I don't go through the windshield when I try to clutch the brake!!
50
Work and Events / Re: Tie Changer Machine - Official Work Thread
« on: May 07, 2021, 04:08:59 PM »The wrap around rope is a thing of the past, very functional but probably foreign to the younger generation.
I'll file that under "things I'm not supposed to know about, but somehow have experience with anyway."
Along with rotary telephones, over-the-air TV, pumping the gas pedal to set the choke, &c.
I guess that's why I like it here.
How about the starter button on the floor and the timing advance on the steering column that looks like a blinker lever?
And don't forget 8-Tracks, casset's and CD's! I just bought a new car which is actually a computer on wheels.
The museum is keeping me young!
Brian W.
51
Work and Events / Re: Tie Changer Machine - Official Work Thread
« on: May 06, 2021, 04:21:32 PM »
As long as it is starting/running like it is right now the wrap around rope isn't much of a problem. Two or three pulls is acceptable.
I'll try to keep it running like a top!
I do think that I need to take off the cowling and clean out a mouse nest before we run it too much. It could overheat otherwise.
Better safe than sorry.
Brian W.
I'll try to keep it running like a top!
I do think that I need to take off the cowling and clean out a mouse nest before we run it too much. It could overheat otherwise.
Better safe than sorry.
Brian W.
52
Work and Events / Re: Tie Changer Machine - Official Work Thread
« on: May 05, 2021, 02:47:24 PM »
Also,
The engine has a lot of compression so we can't get too soft or we won't be able to turn it over! The wrap around rope is a thing of the past, very functional but probably foreign to the younger generation.
The engine has a lot of compression so we can't get too soft or we won't be able to turn it over! The wrap around rope is a thing of the past, very functional but probably foreign to the younger generation.
53
Work and Events / Re: Tie Changer Machine - Official Work Thread
« on: May 04, 2021, 06:43:39 PM »
I have rebuilt the carburetor and put in a new spark plug. It now starts on 3 pulls and runs very smooth. The plug was quite fouled, it is burning a little bit of oil but the motor is from 1958! Running it will be good for the motor. Wisconsin makes good engines. It has been a long time since I had to wrap a rope around the flywheel to start an engine!
We can now put it together and check out the hydraulics and start to learn the machine.
Brian W.
We can now put it together and check out the hydraulics and start to learn the machine.
Brian W.
54
Volunteers / Re: March 2021 Work Reports
« on: March 29, 2021, 01:10:38 PM »
With these winds we are having today, a run up to Alna Center with a couple of chainsaws will likely be needed!
55
Volunteers / Re: March Work Reports
« on: March 18, 2021, 05:38:13 PM »
Let's do it Saturday if we have the supplies on hand. Or at least see what is needed and get the parts. It is/or will be warm enough soon to fix it.
Brian W.
Brian W.
56
Volunteers / Re: March Work Reports
« on: March 18, 2021, 02:52:59 PM »
I will be there on Saturday. I need to change one more filter on Big Joe. It should only take a few minutes. The hydraulic fluid on the forklift was frozen on Tuesday. There must be water in the system That should be changed along with filters to prevent damage to the pump. I'll be available for whatever needs doing.
Brian W.
Brian W.
57
Volunteers / Re: March Work Reports
« on: March 04, 2021, 05:25:00 PM »
I will be there on Tuesday and can help with tree removal if needed.
Brian W.
Brian W.
58
General Discussion / Re: Who Am I? or, Let's Introduce Ourselves
« on: November 17, 2020, 05:04:31 PM »
Welcome Jay,
There's plenty of learning and exploring opportunities for you to enjoy. The museum is doing a great job of preserving history and making it available to the public. You will like being a part of the volunteer groups that help to make it all happen. I am a relatively new volunteer and have learned many different and interesting things related to the railroad and their operations. I encourage you to join and hope to see you volunteering in the near future.
Brian Whitney
There's plenty of learning and exploring opportunities for you to enjoy. The museum is doing a great job of preserving history and making it available to the public. You will like being a part of the volunteer groups that help to make it all happen. I am a relatively new volunteer and have learned many different and interesting things related to the railroad and their operations. I encourage you to join and hope to see you volunteering in the near future.
Brian Whitney
59
Volunteers / Re: Telephone improvement at Rose Wood Crossing
« on: November 14, 2020, 07:06:02 PM »
He looks more like he is concentrating on a very important job not unhappy. When I saw them at Alna Center he was very happy!
Brian W.
Brian W.
60
General Discussion / Re: Who Am I? or, Let's Introduce Ourselves
« on: October 01, 2020, 05:43:57 AM »
Hi all,
I just recently became a member and started volunteering on Saturdays and Tuesdays. I grew up in Danville Junction, Maine, a major switching yard for the Maine Central and Grand Trunk railroads, when steam was on its way out. I could always tell the rare occasion when a steam engine was coming through by the sound of the whistle. I would hop on my bike and rush to the junction to watch the train. I have a large "old school" HO layout with all brass tracks and transformer based on the Maine Central in the 1970's. I recently retired from the printing industry where I ran a printing press for over 40 years and also as a volunteer firefighter in New Gloucester, ME where I maintained the town's original 1928 Model A firetruck. I am the treasurer of the Squirrel Island Historical Society and enjoy preserving history. I am looking forward to helping out the museum and learning more about railroad operations.
Brian Whitney
I just recently became a member and started volunteering on Saturdays and Tuesdays. I grew up in Danville Junction, Maine, a major switching yard for the Maine Central and Grand Trunk railroads, when steam was on its way out. I could always tell the rare occasion when a steam engine was coming through by the sound of the whistle. I would hop on my bike and rush to the junction to watch the train. I have a large "old school" HO layout with all brass tracks and transformer based on the Maine Central in the 1970's. I recently retired from the printing industry where I ran a printing press for over 40 years and also as a volunteer firefighter in New Gloucester, ME where I maintained the town's original 1928 Model A firetruck. I am the treasurer of the Squirrel Island Historical Society and enjoy preserving history. I am looking forward to helping out the museum and learning more about railroad operations.
Brian Whitney