‘The Steam’ short film

[Stephen Piwowarski]

Hi all,

If you get a chance check out this 16 minute short filmed at the Yosemite Sugar Pine RR on passing the torch- it’s quite good. Enjoy

Steve

https://vimeo.com/471954518?fbclid=IwAR096eujmrotz2aekWe7IEZIG8-umBYqYxiq5hbyWd3Q_JRQdkZxcQhTtHg

[Bob Springs]

Thanks for the video link.  I really enjoyed it!

[Jeff Schumaker]

Nice video. I know I'll watch it again.

Jeff S.

[Mike Fox]

Excellent video with one exception. Why, as seen at about the 7 minute mark, would you leave your hand on a coupler while coupling? Do you not care to have all the fingers you were born with? Just a safety observation..

[Bob Springs]

I noticed that too.  Didn't believe what I was seeing so I ran it back and watched again.
ALWAYS avoid every risk you can!

[James Patten]

I think he's got his hand on the pin, but still...

[Ed Lecuyer]

Also in the seconds before, the brakeman is riding the front plate while moving forward. This is definitely not allowed under WW&F rules - but may be understandable given they are switching across a grade crossing while on a curve.

It appears that the coupler on the locomotive wants to spring back to center, and they are coupling on a curve (and/or one of the couplers is somehow really-off center.) Certainly not ideal. I'm surprised that the brakeman isn't riding the footboard while holding the coupler - rather than walking backwards between equipment; that's really not a good idea.


That all said, we are not privy to their rulebook or their specific situation.

[Bill Baskerville]

I also noticed these things.  A stick would have solved the coupling problem.  It seemed to contradict the "Safety First" Blue 'Flag' sign on the door to the locomotive house.

[Stephen Piwowarski]

That coupler shot jumped out at me as being odd too- certainly something that we wouldn't do on the WW&F- no reason to do it here. As Ed says, we aren't aware of their particular situation. It is an extended knuckle, which keeps your hands a bit further away, but still someplace I'd prefer to keep my hands away from.

http://www.santacruzlumberco.com/rolling_stock_couplers.htm

[john d Stone]

A very well made film, even with the questionable coupling practice! The greatest lesson to be taken away from it is the importance of welcoming volunteers to participate in this fascinating history. I think the WW&F does a wonderful job of this. That's what first attracted me and that's what keeps me coming back!

[Bill Baskerville]

... The greatest lesson to be taken away from it is the importance of welcoming volunteers to participate in this fascinating history. I think the WW&F does a wonderful job of this. That's what first attracted me and that's what keeps me coming back!

John says it well.  After my first visit so very many years ago, it was the welcoming and friendliness of our volunteers that coupled with the uniqueness of the WW&F steam experience that brought me back.

[Jeff Schumaker]

What Bill said, even though he blames me for becoming a member.

Jeff S.

[Bill Baskerville]

What Bill said, even though he blames me for becoming a member.

Jeff S.

  I only blame Jeff for introducing me to the Spring and Fall Work Weekends.  I would have probably been just a summer visitor if it hadn't been for that.  Of course the Work Weekends led me to my extended summer visits, which led me to dragging my sweet wife to Maine every summer so I could further extend the summer visits which .... 

I guess my love of, and commitment to, the WW&F is Jeff's fault... and all the friendly and enthusiastic volunteers.

Thanks Jeff....