I need to clarify my passing reference to the Mountain Extension above. The work on the Mountain Extension has taken days away from working on 10, specifically developing the jigs we need to properly produce smooth deep flanges, but I should have been explicit: that’s not an excuse or assignment of blame. The Mountain Extension was a decided shift in priorities, of which I am fully behind, because of organizational developments which we didn’t expect.
The Mountain Extension, which began when we were donated the Moose Brook Bridge, developed a definite, hard timeline after we researched the permits required to install it. In short, the permit which includes the bridge installation is actually a permit to rebuild the railroad. It expires in 2 years. We wanted to settle the permitting issues before getting too far along with the bridge rebuild. Therefore, the permitting process began in July, gave us enough coincidence to proceed through the fall, and culminated with the permit approval in December.
Because the bridge project also includes track construction, and the permits for the intervening right of way also include track construction, we decided to package and brand the entire thing. This was reinforced by the desire to hold back on passenger ops until they could operate all the way down and have a safe landing. Combine that with how fabulously this stretch will showcase the narrow gauge theory, how beautiful it is, and our rising focus on transportation to destinations (instead of just a train ride), all result in the Mountain Extension is one of the best developments our Museum has ever undertaken. Honest to goodness I am smitten with the prospect of it. I hope my enthusiasm for it has been apparent.
In any event, we forge ahead with 10, and then 11, as both will be vital pieces of the bigger picture we are trying to paint. We need 10 yesterday; writing op plans for big events around 2 locomotives is difficult, due to the inability to runaround at Sheepscot while at the platform (that’s why we power swap). And honestly- 10 does such a superior job at representing the Maine two footers than 52 (10’s easier on track too).
I believe we’re going to find the Mountain a touch un-kind to 10, and the potential utility of no 11 will become apparent.
Ok, that was too long, I suppose, but my earlier post may have come across as negative. If so, I apologize.
See ya
Jason
