Messages

16

Volunteers / Re: November 2022 Work Reports

« on: December 01, 2022, 07:26:18 AM »

I believe the skates should be centrally stored in a designated location in SS yard, with the exception of flatcars which should have a skate on board.  In fact someone (Bill B?) had created a set of hangers in the East outside wall of the garage for this purpose- which is the right idea, however that particular location is not safe as it creates a pinch point with equipment passing on that track.  I believe we should use those hangers for skate storage, relocated to a safer location.

As I told Bill B- I don’t feel it’s necessary to label the skates “skate,” however that’s more a preference than anything related to operations.  So- it’s artistic license as far as I’m concerned. 

Thanks Bill B for your work and initiative, and all here for the constructive conversation.

Jason

17

Work and Events / Re: J&S Truck Build/Rebuild - Official Work Thread

« on: November 26, 2022, 07:31:42 AM »

Ed is correct, however some clarification:

The J&S trucks currently under refurbishment were built for B&SR combine 11.  Edaville move them to SR&RL coach 21 (F&M 2- currently owned by ML&M and at the WW&F).  Thus we will reunite the trucks with F&M 2 on a reversible basis (in other words the coach still belongs to ML&M and the trucks belong to us).

The B&SR swing mo trucks from coach 2 to box 56 are a temporary measure (a few years) to buy time to construct a new set of freight trucks.  The new freight trucks will be WW&F common bolster trucks destined for flat 126 (a WW&F repro).  The trucks currently under 126 are B&SR swing mo trucks, which will get moderately refurbished and placed under box 56.  This frees the good trucks that would have been under box 56 to serve as operating alternate trucks, allowing systematic refurbishment of other B&SR swing mo trucks in passenger service.

A couple ancillary goals: the truck work is connected to our implementation of the vacuum train brake system, as we plan to install vacuum brake cylinders and reservoirs direct to trucks.  This will make fleet wide implementation much more practical.  Further- box 56 leaving shop bay 3 will permit the boilers for 10 and 11 to move into that space.  The boiler work really deserves dedicated workable shop space to spread out and properly tackle the many parts of the boiler project.  (L10 itself will go in the enginehouse, where it will receive some non-boiler improvements).

We’re still looking for an opportunity to change that up a little- and get some other trucks under 56, so the good swing mo’s out of coach 2 can help with vacuum brake implementation right away.  However, short of an alternate set of trucks for 56, we’ll stick with the plan above, get 56 in service and free shop bay 3 for boilers.  (No, neither MNG, ML&M, nor SRRR have spare trucks- we’ve asked). 

We’ve weaved a tangled (but hopefully logical) web of trucks

Thanks
Jason

18

Volunteers / Re: November 2022 Work Reports

« on: November 19, 2022, 08:55:11 PM »

As yet undefined.  We’d talked about a drop on show fly switch.  Otherwise a new frog for a stub switch. 

Woods/ snow also a place to properly remove and store rail gantry.

19

Volunteers / Re: November 2022 Work Reports

« on: November 19, 2022, 06:23:03 PM »

Additionally, new volunteer Rich and I fabricated a weldment for Build11 which will serve as a placeholder for the cylinder castings until they return from the machine shop.  The temporary structure will permit work to continue without putting undue pressure on our shop to rush the job.  Cylinder machining isn’t something we want rushed

Jason

20

Museum Discussion / Re: Boiler work on the WW&F #10

« on: November 19, 2022, 05:13:57 PM »

Hi Ted,

Locomotive 10 has not been forgotten- however we have adjusted its placement in our shop queue to best suit current circumstances.  While there are a lot of fond memories of No 10 amongst our members, sentiment isn’t the only part of our decision making, as we must prioritize work by what the railroad most needs at any given time.

At present, we are focusing primary energy on installing our vacuum train brake system over the winter, as public service on the Mountain, begun only 3 months ago, has already proven the need for the braking system to be prioritized.  Further- the No 10 project requires dedicated space in the prime area of our shop, where the concrete floor and overhead crane is available.  We plan to perform the boiler work for 10 and 11 in bay 3 once it’s available.  No 10’s chassis will go in the enginehouse once it is available. 

We anticipate all of those moves to occur in late spring, 2023.  We plan to resume heavy work on no 10 after the train brake system is in service and we have proper working space for 10, and still hope to see it in service soon. 

As an aside- we are sure many other members such as you are wondering what No 10’s status is.  We plan to write a newsletter article which explains its status and the reasons behind it.  The most important thing- we haven’t forgotten No 10 and still look forward to getting it back on the active roster.

Thanks
Jason

21

Work and Events / Re: Fall Work Weekend 2022 - Official Work Thread

« on: October 05, 2022, 07:17:53 AM »

LINING BARS

If any volunteers coming in for Saturday’s work have access to railroad lining bars that they can borrow, please bring them.  We have 21- but hope for a total of 30-40 to feed to separate lining crews on Saturday.  If you do bring them- please be sure to give them a paint ID so you can properly recover them.

Thanks
Jason

22

Work and Events / Re: Fall Work Weekend 2022 - Official Work Thread

« on: October 04, 2022, 03:40:25 PM »

I understand Nancy will be feeding the crew Friday lunch through Monday lunch.

see ya
jason

23

Volunteers / Re: October 2022 Work Reports

« on: October 02, 2022, 06:08:04 PM »

Build11 crew is on-site this week as well.

Jason

24

Work and Events / Re: Fall Work Weekend 2022 - Official Work Thread

« on: September 29, 2022, 04:10:45 PM »

Detailed 2022 FWW Track Work Plan

Friday:
Kink Repair (Steve Lennox, Jason), 1-2 helpers, including equipment to repair rail breaks.
Lining (Dana, Dan).  In vicinity of kink repair.  Majority of Friday track crew.

Saturday:
2 Lining Crews, both based out of Alna Center.  Lunch at AC.  PLEASE PARK AT AC!!!!
Crew 1 (Steve Lennox, Dan).
Crew 2 (Steve Leet, Mark Cheetham).
Both crews on foot out of AC, ideally 15-20 each crew.  Lining bars for all.  2 flagmen per crew for train protection. 

Sunday:
Tamping (Steve Lx), Harsco, 1-3 helpers.
Ballast Dressing (Dana, Dan)

Monday:
Pit Rail Install (JML, Dana, Dan)

25

Volunteers / Re: September 2022 Work Reports

« on: September 26, 2022, 01:43:16 PM »

SeaLyon’s long standing goal for their joint Christmas event with us has been exactly this idea: a tree farm.  We have talked various options including leasing additional land to them for the purpose.

It is a lovely idea and I am very grateful we have a neighbor partner willing to take it on.  As for the railroad, we simply do not have the labor resources to add such an activity in house.

Good thinking John- shows the idea has merit. 

Jason

26

Work and Events / Re: Fall Work Weekend 2022 - Official Work Thread

« on: September 25, 2022, 01:16:04 PM »

FWW 2022

Track: Fri, Sat: main like lining (and possibly rail bending for kinks)
Sun, Mon: tie replacement, low joint leveling and tamping, ballast dressing.

Build 11 is expected to largely wrap up on Friday but that’s not definite.

There is hope that we can arrange painting crews for both Alna Center and Trout Brook Stations, though at present we don’t have leaders for either.

Brendan may have enginehouse or platform activities which could use crew- I’m not sure. 

I have heard that Dave is trying to advance the Head Tide Trail footbridge renewal, which would be great. 

Please keep in mind that Saturday of FWW will also host public Pumpkin Trains.  Parking will be strained at best.  Volunteers are encouraged to park in the west lot or 218/cross rd corner lot if physically able to walk in.  We’re also considering other parking locations.

If anyone else remembers projects that I’ve forgotten please post.  The important thing is that every project needs a leader.  Hoping someone steps forward to lead painting stations.

Thanks
Jason

27

Two Footers outside of the US / Re: AMTP in Pithiviers, France

« on: September 15, 2022, 10:36:31 AM »

Congrats Alain and your team!  How proud you rightfully should be. 

Do you think your crew caller would offer his services for an over-seas railway?

Thank you for the report!  Oh- how'd that compressed sawdust work? 

Jason

28

Volunteers / 2022 Fall Work Weekend Volunteer Parking

« on: September 10, 2022, 04:03:40 PM »

Hello folks,

We are looking forward to a busy FWW- which will include public Pumpkin Trains on Saturday.  With the influx of volunteers attending work weekend along with public guests are causing us, we are developing a parking plan for the day.  This is important for the safety of the road, and our relationship with our neighbors and the Town.  Generally, the plan will include volunteers parking at the corner lot (still need to confirm permission) and the west lot, while trying to leave the majority of the main lot for Pumpkin passengers.

As part of this plan, we are looking for 3-4 volunteers to serve as parking attendants.  Are any readers here, who plan to attend this year's FWW willing to serve in this capacity?  We are stretched thin crewing trains and managing work activities- so we are asking for help from this group of supporters in hopes of covering this very important concern.

Feel free to respond here, or reach out to Ed or I directly.

Further information regarding 2022 FWW activities will be posted on that dedicated thread under Work and Events.

Thanks,
Jason

29

Two Footers outside of the US / Re: AMTP in Pithiviers, France

« on: September 07, 2022, 12:23:25 PM »

Thanks Alain- look forward to a report if you think of it. 

Imagine early Sandy River days firing those little Hinkley locos on wood alone...  What a fascinating era...

Thanks
Jason

30

Two Footers outside of the US / Re: AMTP in Pithiviers, France

« on: September 07, 2022, 08:25:45 AM »

Woah, has your team already experimented with that fuel?  I’m curious on their effectiveness.  I wonder if that’d produce a lot of sparks.

Thanks again
Jason