Messages

271

UK (Welsh, British) Two Footers / Re: Baldwin 4-6-2 in service

« on: September 23, 2009, 09:13:33 AM »

Some interesting things: great caboose, air operated butterfly firebox doors, rear pilot on tender, nice version of link and pin couplers (with handle on link), English style regulator (throttle) and overall very nice rebuild of a South African wreck.  I suspect the second lever is a lock for the switch.  Their right of way looks really great.  I wonder if they have a 2-foot regulator?  

272

General Discussion / Re: The Taconnet lives!!!!!!!!

« on: September 22, 2009, 03:29:51 PM »

He probably could build a 1:1 version, except for the trucks, with some help of course and using our super sized car shop.  If ever built, I wonder if the U.S. Postal Service could be talked into a one time R.P.O. Day.  The covers would sell like hot cakes.  Would be great news item and great publicity for us.

273

Other Narrow Gauge / 36" Casino Narrow Gauge Railway

« on: September 20, 2009, 08:37:05 AM »

On our recent drive to San Diego, we stayed at the Tropicana Express Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, NV.  They have 0.8 mile dog bone loop of 36" gauge track with three station stops around the hotel and parking lot.  They used 90# rail and have some neat trestle work. They have two engines and three open cars.  One engine is a 1951 Plymouth, with a Detroit diesel engine.  Its painted like our #52, but it does have a roof mounted air conditioner.  At 105 degrees, it keeps the cab nice and cool.  The other engine is a replica diesel-hydraulic "steam engine".  It was in the shop for repair so I did not get to see it.

The hotel and casino are completely done in "railroad" theme.  Its worth the stay just to see everything.  Plenty of photos, posters, art work and railroad stuff.  The main casino floor is like a large train shed, with ticket offices for the cashiers. The hotel floors are named for railroads and the rooms are called berths.  One of the restaurants has two mock dining cars and the buffet is named the "Roundhouse".  There is a roundhouse front and behind one of the doors is an engine front end.  The exterior is all railroad station in design.

274

Bridgton & Saco River Railway / Re: Tank car coming soon

« on: August 24, 2009, 06:48:20 AM »

Seeing the B&SR's tank car brings a question or two.  Did SOCONY supply the tanks for free or at reduced cost or did the railway purchase them out right or did the customer foot the cost of the tank?  Were they built special for 2 foot service or were they used else where? Were there more than two tank cars?  Which Maine 2 foot railways had them?

275

Bridgton & Saco River Railway / Re: Tank car coming soon

« on: August 23, 2009, 08:10:51 AM »

It will be great to see our tank in service.  Congrats to the B&SR group on their progress.

276

Volunteers / Re: Truck/Trailer needed for Work Weekend

« on: August 21, 2009, 06:48:05 AM »

Frank, maybe John Kokas can haul it.  Suggest you contact him.

277

Museum Discussion / Re: Auction - Railroad Construction Equipment

« on: August 04, 2009, 10:51:57 PM »

Everyone up there at the Museum is doing the annual picnic this weekend and no one down here in PA is available to go with me.  That leaves me to go to the auction by myself and that would leave me with no way to transport a compressor.  Need a pickup truck with pintle hitch to pickup any compressor of this size or bigger. The best option is for someone (a BOD member) up there to bid online, but only if they can arrange pickup before August 14 th. See auction site for online instructions.

I have been working with GSA (Augusta, ME) for compressors and other goodies for two years, but the "who can go get it" problem keeps us from getting these items.  There are plenty of big G.I. trucks that we can get, but most are in PA or VA.  Then we would need someone with a CDL with the time available to drive it and pick up stuff.  Even a donated government pickup would help us.  I'll just keep on looking.

278

Museum Discussion / Re: Auction - Railroad Construction Equipment

« on: August 03, 2009, 10:25:48 PM »

A better link for viewing photos of auction stuff.

http://www.dehartsauction.com/aug8Auction/photo.htm

We can bid on line, however we'll need someone to do the eye-ball thing and bring back to stuff.  Can you say "road trip".  I can go, but would need someone to go or meet me there.  I can bring the "Good PA Checkbook", if so authorized.

279

Museum Discussion / Auction - Railroad Construction Equipment

« on: August 03, 2009, 07:57:25 PM »

Saturday August 8, 2009   Auction Starts At 9am

Preview August 5th, 6th & 7th. 10am - 6pm

Specialty Railroad Constructor Equipment
4500 Hempfield Plaza Blvd.
Greensburg, PA 15601

http://www.auctionzip.com/cgi-bin/auctionview.cgi?lid=642584

I know that most of this equipment is for the "big roads", look closely - lining bars, jacks, bolts, tools, 1 or 2 man tampers, retaining wall material, goodies.  Even trailers and trucks to haul the stuff to Sheepscot. Also think "trade goods", buy cheap enough then trade for something "our" size. Auctions this size do not occur often.

Amongst the stuff is John Deere Diesel Sullair(185 H) Compressor.  Plenty of small stuff.  Any members in the Pittsburgh area?

RAILROAD EQUIPMENT: 1989 Jackson tie inserter Model 925 SN: 126270, 1989 Deutz Donelti K3000 hi-rail crane Model KGT-3000 SN: 4080 with 36" side tilt ditching bucket & backhoe boom attachments, Canron Tamper Model Mark I SN: ESJDG, 1979 Kershaw Ballast Regulator Model 26-2-2 SN: 001253, Safetran Track Wrench with Horiz chuck & Standard Model "C" SN: 7376, Nordoc Hydra Spiker Model A" Unit E-57 SN: 374, Safetran Bolter Model "C" SN: TE-59, Nolan Carts, Fairmont Tie Kicker/Pusher Model W115-B SN: RC68, Canron Tie Inserter Model TSR, Fairmont Switch Taper Model ST 1049 SN: 1071400, Fairmont Spiker Model W-96 SN: 254277, 1990 Fairmont Tie Changer Model TKO SN: 00636, 1993 Jackson Tie Crane Model 950 SN: 151895, Fairmont Mark III Production/Switch Tamper Model ESTR-130AG SN: 3580573, Rail Alignment System for Mark III, Kershaw tie crane, miscellaneous push carts, Ingersol- Rand Spike Driver, large lifting cable w/4 hooks, track bits, insulated joint bars, Otherm rail welding supplies & equipment, miscellaneous track materials, track bolts, rail drills, rail blade, 20+ Templeton railroad track jacks, rail bender.

RAILROAD TOOLS: Wrenches, nippers, lining bars, tie tongs, 1 & 2 man air powered tampers, dog nuts, rail forks, rail dogs, track gauge & levels, anchor wenches, claw bars, car movers, spike mauls, shovels, picks, miscellaneous spike lifters, lifting clamps & cables, Safetran bolt machines, new oils and lubricants.

SHOP EQUIPMENT: American Tool Works industrial size lathe Reed-Pantico machine lathe Barney Machinery Co industrial size, machine shop parts, work horses, steel lifting jaws, fire extinguisher, complete bander system w/banding, large amount of chains & cables, DC 5 ton overhead electric cranes, Shepard Niles crane & hoist equipment, Rezonr waste oil furnace w/waste oil, lathe tips & cutters, brand new taps & dies all sizes, 5 1/2" Craftsman vise, Craftsman 6" 1/3hp bench grinder, Delta Model 23-710 sharpening center, Hitachi angle grinder 4 1/2", Milwaukee 1/2" drill, Makita 14" portable cut off saw, Makita 3/4" 2 speed hammer drill, Craftsman industrial 1/2" impact wrench, 2 Milwaukee 12" chop saws, Peerless 3hp 3 phase rotary steel hacksaw, miscellaneous circular saws, miscellaneous angle grinders, extension cords, large amount of torch hoses, torch gauges, torch tips, full bolt bins, Magnum XR9 paint sprayer, new roof jacks, many tool boxes, 5 job boxes all sizes, Craftsman 1hp 15" drill press, 3 1/2 ton chain hoists, Eager Beaver 1000psi pressure washer, grease guns, levels, 2 Lode Star w/jib & wall mount hoist, electric winch, 4' scrap torch, Exide battery charger, 55 gallon drum cart, mig welding sticks with gun, porter power, J G Blount Co 3 phase industrial size 5hp grinder, Delta industrial drill press, Master 350,000BTU heater, North Star Industrial hot water pressure washer, DoAll industrial power saw, steel work truss rollers, Ingersol-Rand 3 phase air compressor, steel & wooden work benches, Lincoln Wirematic mig welder w/aluminum spool gun, Carolina 4000lb engine hoist, truck tranny jack, large wrenches, 50,000BTU Reddy Heater, LP construction heater, National torch cart, Darra James table saw, Milwaukee 7" angle grinder, Husgvarna  3120K chop saw, 275 gallon fuel tank w/12 volt pump, portable 275 gallon jobsite steel fuel tank, Sullar air compressor John Deere diesel powered, Craftsman 2hp portable air compressor.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT: 1991 Ingersol-Rand Double Drum Roller Model DK70 SN: 178-36, Clark Forklift 3000lb Model ECS30, Prime Mover skid steer (needs work), Case 1830 skid steer w/bucket & forks (gas),1989 John Deere 555G loader, 1996 New Holland LXC885 w/ bucket & tooth bar kit 3452 hours, 1989 Case 580K loader backhoe (diesel), 1999 Case 580L loader/backhoe.

LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT: Geogrid for retaining walls, safety fence & retaining wall equipment, push mowers, Craftsman 164cc vacuum shredder bagger, Craftsman straight shaft weedwacker, White 5hp snow blower, tampers, power cart, concrete chemicals & cleaners, Partner KVO2 rolling cradle for cement cutter, 6 Blazer concrete saws, Concrete tools & trowels, concrete pins, Mini G Dummy level, Paver lifters & spacers, Homelite chain saw, Husgvarna 136 chain saw, Poulan 2055 woodman chain saw, Craftsman turbo chain saw, Partner K1250 cut off saw, Partner K700 cut off saw, wheel barrows, Robin EC10 tamper, power trash pump 5hp, Devilbiss 5000 watt 9 hp generator, 5000 watt 10hp generator.

VEHICLES: 1989 Mack cab over w/sleeper, 1979 International tool truck 51,000 miles Vin #AA185JHAQ27335, 1986 Ford F700 Dump Vin #1FDPF70H0GVA53768, 1989 GMC 1 ton dump Vin #1GDHR34K5KJ503652, 1978 Fontaine flatbed trailer Vin #30361, 19898 Hurst trailer Vin #1H9T52033K1057264, 1990 Chevrolet Suburban 166,000 miles Vin #1GNGV26K4LF152554, 1992 P Construction trailer )welder)  Vin #SW52858PA, 1993 Peterbilt Vin #1FTEX15N6PKB93863, 1994 Borco low boy trailer in #1B9LS4527R313194, 1998 Chevrolet S10 pick up 135,000 miles Vin #1GCCS1944WK176355, 1999 Chevrolet S10 pick up 53,000 miles Vin #1GCCS1442XK123632, 1999 Ford F350 dump 105,000 miles Vin #3FDWF36S7XMA26567, 1978 Ford F600 w/Reading body 35,000 miles Vin #F60DVCF1968.

miscellaneous: Engineering & design & railroad manuals, The Track Data Handbook, freight rollers, steel wheels, wheel barrows, bolts & hardware, truck tool boxes, small engine parts, oil air & hydraulic filters, hydraulic gear pumps & motors, hydraulic hoses & fittings, automotive & equipment electricals, safety wear, highway road signs, safety flashers, tie down straps, road cones, Warn 1700lb winch, 5 gal water coolers, new electric motors, miscellaneous steel, 20 + sections of pallet racking, scrap metal, Miller Duraflex & Mightylite safety harnesses, steel & plastic electrical conduit, vintage Coke bottles in cases.

280

Museum Discussion / Re: Steam Weekends

« on: August 01, 2009, 07:26:07 AM »

The State of Maine has a online license database with a good search engine.  The URL below shows all of boiler license information for WW&F Ry Museum.  Interesting to search for other operating, non-FRA, 2 foot engines.  It appears that the MAINE NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD CO. engines without a Form 4 and on lend to elsewhere seem not to appear in database.  At least I couldn't find them.


http://pfr.informe.org/almsonline/almsquery/ShowDetail.aspx?CLIENT=1&BOARD=4520&GP=CO&LN=1185 

281

Museum Discussion / Re: Steam Weekends

« on: July 29, 2009, 05:20:24 PM »

Is having a boiler license a State of Maine requirement or an insurance policy requirement or the museum rules?  I've operated on many steam tourist lines, as regular crew, and none of them had this requirement.  I have shown steam tractors in public for over 50 years and only the boiler was licensed and not the operator.

282

Work and Events / Re: Annual Picnic 2009

« on: July 29, 2009, 05:12:03 PM »

How about a team with a wagon or buggy (without rubber tires) loading/unloading Alna Center.  Most of the life of WW&F Ry was in horse and buggy days.  Maine farmers didn't jump right on tractors and trucks.  Remember, the thing that "killed" the railroad was the great depression and horses where around farms much longer because of it.  Put the word out locally and maybe a few Amish will show up.  They do like to ride trains and would provide "color".   They can also be a great source of craftsmen.

283

Work and Events / Re: Top Of The Mountain Siding - Official Work Thread

« on: July 13, 2009, 06:08:39 PM »

I agree with the BOD decision as to "restoring" the railway to its original ROW and track plan.  I however there is a lot of difference between restoration and reality.  Having a operable track plan until we are ready to restore makes sense, also.  We have two wash outs, a landslide, one very big bridge to build and the problems of getting the FRA's blessings to cross route 218.  Any switches used would move to Head Tide.  Five or more years of smooth operation while "restoration" takes place would make real revenue sense.  I agree with you Mike, but spitting into the wind, only gets one wet.

284

Work and Events / Re: Top Of The Mountain Siding - Official Work Thread

« on: July 04, 2009, 03:03:53 PM »

Another thought on TOM.  We all realize that going beyond TOM is going to be several years and many dollars away.  If having a run around at TOM is not practical,  then why not have a "temporary" run around as close to TOM as the ROW permits?  It can be removed in five or more years, when Head Tide is reached.  This would keep Alna Center open for two train operation, provide engine first operation for almost entire operating track and still leave room at TOM for tank car and with spur at TOM, place for work trains.  We could run engine first to EOT, then back only short distance to temporary run around.  Return to Sheepscot engine first with meet, if necessary, at Alna Center.  Picture a #9 train meeting a #10 train at Alna Center, both running engine first.  The siding itself could use some of the lighter rail that we all ready have.  After all this just another thought, don't kill the messenger!

285

Work and Events / Re: Top Of The Mountain Siding - Official Work Thread

« on: June 28, 2009, 08:29:37 AM »

I started as a "greenhorn" on the Mount Rainier on the fire patrol.  It was 2 men with two Indian pumps, two shovels and two rakes.  We used a 4 man speeder.  I am sure that #51 could serve the purpose.  We only operated when the fire threat was posted by the state as High.  We followed the train by ten minutes.  They would finish their run a round by the time we arrived at Mineral.  The fire patrol was required by the State of Washington.  At TOM the fire patrol would wait on the main and then take the siding when the train is ready to depart South.  If a problem occurred that the patrol could not control, the dispatcher would called and the fire train would be dispatched.