Messages

346

Work and Events / Re: Track Work

« on: September 01, 2008, 06:48:29 PM »

Can we use a set of rail tongs?  A front loader, some log chain and rail tongs makes loading/unloading rails a lot easier on the back.  How tie tongs?  Several are currently listed on eBay.

347

Museum Discussion / Re: Track availability

« on: August 21, 2008, 08:06:21 PM »

Stewart,

I didn't not say lay all the rail. I only want to insure a supply of rail before the prices increase another 50% or more.  A paced expansion, as currently done, make sense, but October 2009 may see only 1200 feet of rail at this years price.

Ken

348

Museum Discussion / Re: Track availability

« on: August 21, 2008, 05:54:54 PM »

While Head Tide is years away, it is time to buy or contract to buy enough rail to cover the five or so years in our plan.  The price of rail has increased about 40-50%, since the spring.  It also time to re-think the weight of rail that we use. 60 lb/yd rail carries a $300 per ton premium over 50#/55# rail per ton.  I offered to buy 80 tons of rail this past spring and "lend" it at no interest until paid back.  The by-laws prevented that from happening.  But, it is time to build up our stock before prices get completely out of sight.  Just because we would rail on-hand, doesn't mean we have to lay it all at one time. A quarter of a mile is a reasonable goal.

349

Museum Discussion / Re: Engine Air Compressor Lubricators

« on: August 10, 2008, 12:33:50 PM »

James, thanks for the information.  In my 52 years of running steam locomotives, I have run several with steam brakes, but none without any brakes or with vacuum brakes. Even cane trains need to have a means of stopping.  I'll have to Google some information on vacuum brake systems. 

350

Museum Discussion / Re: Engine Air Compressor Lubricators

« on: August 09, 2008, 04:18:51 PM »

In my post about vacuum brakes, I meant #9, but questions would apply if we maintain a uniform braking system.

351

Museum Discussion / Re: Engine Air Compressor Lubricators

« on: August 09, 2008, 04:13:49 PM »

Are vacuum brakes, for #10, a two foot gage thing?  Were the original brakes on #10 steam?  Why not air brakes?  Is the valving/control for vacuum brakes simpler? Are the components for vacuum brake system readily available? For engines and cars in the future?