tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43565630468901868922024-03-06T12:02:00.697-08:00The Engine House BlogValley Railroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03799469587876434043noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-34693368654669270902016-09-19T09:06:00.001-07:002016-09-19T11:00:38.703-07:00Red is the New Gray<div>
The Valley Railroad's Engine House (built in the 1970's) has received a
paint job and a striking new color.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBofvFloDC9FAdWhXlrT6qL3JJLUQYN9zIDrYDHNC6AqfZjUykzZ5h4D1NdLzKh2-sZof47qA-HzJPgAqTtcUegmBjspzbsD9-DTshPTFoXj_OfWFFHKVZJCwmSEBM14NWozLuRyuh7U/s1600/Engine+House+Paint+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBofvFloDC9FAdWhXlrT6qL3JJLUQYN9zIDrYDHNC6AqfZjUykzZ5h4D1NdLzKh2-sZof47qA-HzJPgAqTtcUegmBjspzbsD9-DTshPTFoXj_OfWFFHKVZJCwmSEBM14NWozLuRyuh7U/s400/Engine+House+Paint+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All of the rolling stock normally along side the Engine House
had to be moved else where for the duration of the project.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Although the roof of the building has been painted several times, the
sides and ends have remained untouched until Facilities Manager Ed Brigman and his
crew (Colin Ewart, Bart Hartzell and Liu Jian) washed and scrubbed the building
prior to priming and painting.</div>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7qIPFb-gPcD3Brb8L_UFB-jCyqa0cvSITGKFB2tMp8t_WlAx2tTpynsnB-dPrzqK23xmMo49VJOnECrA80CohRc2r9ghhimoK9KQPv5yZ0i2XMjwVT9abnC-6kUYSgqVC_ozrsYQ050/s1600/Engine+House+Paint+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7qIPFb-gPcD3Brb8L_UFB-jCyqa0cvSITGKFB2tMp8t_WlAx2tTpynsnB-dPrzqK23xmMo49VJOnECrA80CohRc2r9ghhimoK9KQPv5yZ0i2XMjwVT9abnC-6kUYSgqVC_ozrsYQ050/s400/Engine+House+Paint+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ed up on the man lift we rented to paint the upper areas of
the Dickinson (River Valley Junction) building and the Engine House.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The color was chosen to match the adjoining Locomotive Servicing Facility
which was built in 2014.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
J. David Conrad</div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-77802715099738006082016-08-24T12:52:00.003-07:002016-08-24T18:57:00.274-07:00Automobile Boxcar RestorationThe <a href="http://friendsvrr.org/">Friends of the Valley Railroad</a> (FVRR) have nearly finished their restoration of a car with a most unusual purpose: the transportation of automobiles.<br />
<br />
From the earliest days of the auto industry until the 1950's, “automobile cars” were used to transport finished autos from the factory to dealerships in cities and towns around the country. For some background, visit Core77: <a href="http://www.core77.com/posts/27432/Unlikely-Ways-They-Used-to-Transport-Cars-by-Train">Unlikely Ways They Used to Transport Cars by Train</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsL5H4u8d5MGoNWQEPIs_71R32xDpkzfH0a9Uul5A2a8OZPP0FI68TfSSTzM7waepqYuMxxFloVPVFMxwvXlrpLFlp9WgBIOw6FzPHwUgs2osXJ3HW8BGIPCHzuniioEAM9v2cv9dlE8/s1600/Automobile+Boxcar+Overview.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsL5H4u8d5MGoNWQEPIs_71R32xDpkzfH0a9Uul5A2a8OZPP0FI68TfSSTzM7waepqYuMxxFloVPVFMxwvXlrpLFlp9WgBIOw6FzPHwUgs2osXJ3HW8BGIPCHzuniioEAM9v2cv9dlE8/s400/Automobile+Boxcar+Overview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At first glance, it looks like a typical boxcar, however, upon closer inspection it will be noted that it has two doors on each side, a very large set of doors at one end and a curious set of foldable racks inside. The double doors needed to be long enough for a full size auto to fit through and turn during the loading or unloading process. The end doors could be used for unloading where a platform was not available, or a very large vehicle such as a truck was the cargo. The rack system allowed for autos to be lifted up and stowed on an angle so another auto could be loaded under it. Typically, each car could transport up to 4 fully assembled autos. When empty, it could be loaded with any product carried in a standard boxcar, so it’s return trip for the load of autos could produce revenue (unlike modern auto carriers which must return empty for reloading).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilGTtSXGAmAXkW7VBhyphenhyphenaV6sLbyThEdcrE-fK3guAb1BZi9fukxxtfoE6kP0U0ZK3UCmWEtewGePRsOMJldbAwXqxh7Ir9do3Pg1MpIx0UyP5IaXFVreY4hAJRDyMkwIC-fjTv5bFjFd4/s1600/Automobile+Boxcar+Vintage+Combo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilGTtSXGAmAXkW7VBhyphenhyphenaV6sLbyThEdcrE-fK3guAb1BZi9fukxxtfoE6kP0U0ZK3UCmWEtewGePRsOMJldbAwXqxh7Ir9do3Pg1MpIx0UyP5IaXFVreY4hAJRDyMkwIC-fjTv5bFjFd4/s400/Automobile+Boxcar+Vintage+Combo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
Left: A brand new Ford sedan is unloaded at Old Saybrook in 1946 using the double
side doors. A bit of the rack system that allowed up to 6 autos to be
shipped in one automobile car can be seen above the rear of the auto.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Right: An American La France fire engine (pumper No.2?) for the Chester Fire
Department is unloaded using the large end doors at Deep River in the 1940's.
The corner of the Deep River depot can be seen on the left. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Photos from the Max
Miller Collection.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Being restored is former <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Central_Railroad">New York Central System</a> No. 54173, built by the railroad’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchants_Despatch">Despatch Shops</a> in 1930. It was probably used to transport autos from factories in Michigan to other parts of the country. During World War Two when automobile production was suspended, it is likely that it hauled general freight. Beginning in the 1950's, specialized flat cars with multiple levels have been used and most automobile boxcars scrapped, but ours was placed in “company service” and re-numbered X-41276. It had several boilers installed in it and was used as a portable source of steam for heating, perhaps when the boiler in a station or warehouse was being repaired. At some time in the late 1980's, it was retired and sat in an unused storage yard in Bridgeport until it was purchased in January 1992. A hardy crew worked on it for a week under most unpleasant conditions before it could be moved to Essex.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiWcR-tf8x2yD2Rw-4PNEdPz2ln-04JoDVk14-4QFBrGpbuI-AT5y19_blEEIUHafzm85fF5q9FidkSb66nIdPH1JoiZFdb45ACu7jrdDv9cxyH3AHG4O_3caeWhOLEAltBFhsK2Dl3g/s1600/Automobile+Boxcar+Valve+Removal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCiWcR-tf8x2yD2Rw-4PNEdPz2ln-04JoDVk14-4QFBrGpbuI-AT5y19_blEEIUHafzm85fF5q9FidkSb66nIdPH1JoiZFdb45ACu7jrdDv9cxyH3AHG4O_3caeWhOLEAltBFhsK2Dl3g/s400/Automobile+Boxcar+Valve+Removal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chip removing old valves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple of years ago, David Mackay, a director of the <a href="https://nycshs.org/">New York Central System Historical Society</a> visited and told us that the society occasionally funds projects on NYCS equipment. Paul Costello made application for a grant and earlier this year it was received. The grant will pay for repainting, new roof walks, re-lettering and servicing the air-brake system so the car can be used for special events.<br />
<br />
The Friends of the Valley Railroad (FVRR) have recently set up an Instagram account <a href="https://www.instagram.com/friendsvrr/">@friendsvrr</a> and have been posting photos of the work in process! Way to go, team!<br />
<br />
J. David Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-16653085807932425592016-08-09T14:36:00.002-07:002016-08-24T18:57:59.917-07:00A Visit to the Essex Shop (Tom Nanos)Wonderful inside look at the Locomotive Shop / Engine House at Essex, courtesy of Tom Nanos at his <a href="http://www.nanosphoto.com/blog/">Nanosphoto </a>blog<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nanosphoto.com/blog/2016/08/09/a-visit-to-the-essex-shop/">A Visit to the Essex Shop</a> (August 9, 2016)Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-90048150017893835762016-07-27T09:15:00.000-07:002016-09-19T11:01:43.729-07:00What Do You Do With the Ashes?<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3309">Visitors occasionally ask: "What do you
do with the ashes?" Its a fair question given that all coal contains a certain
amount of material which won't burn, generally referred to as ash.</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3578"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3578">By law, in the State of Connecticut, the
coal we burn must contain less the 2% sulfur.</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_6086"> Another characteristic of our coal is
that it has a low volatile content, which means it produces little or (if the
fireman is doing a good job) no smoke. </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_4449"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_4449">Since ash generates no heat, it is to
our advantage to burn coal which is low in ash, ours generally runs between 8
and 10%, which means that if we burn about 500 tons per year we are left with
about 50 tons of ash per year.</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_4449"></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_4012"> So, what is done with the ash? Years
ago, the railroads used it on their tracks for fill and ballast (e.g. - the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyman_Viaduct">Lyman Viaduct</a> in Colchester). </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrutIqXFGiFsjiGrR9e7635aipoggJxNThqnVDw9OGO7KnBWa6VILmP6DbfA4kpltPjEsXU6XbrilU3S4fcVtaXGHi64qVJEGjETVkZfinROtD8ZH-wUWaRulT1RYUWSTZN2c_03jPQU/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrutIqXFGiFsjiGrR9e7635aipoggJxNThqnVDw9OGO7KnBWa6VILmP6DbfA4kpltPjEsXU6XbrilU3S4fcVtaXGHi64qVJEGjETVkZfinROtD8ZH-wUWaRulT1RYUWSTZN2c_03jPQU/s400/IMG_0601.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_6306">Fireman Ron Olsen
loads ash for return to Pennsylvania</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_6367"></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_6367">Today, it goes back where it came from:
the coal mine.</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_4264"> A couple of times per year, the truck
that brings us a load of coal is loaded with ash which is returned to the
mine.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_4364">J. David </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_3111">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1469628246762_6306"><br /></span></div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-25879236013573607882016-07-13T11:00:00.001-07:002016-09-19T11:02:52.585-07:00Lounge Car "Middletown" Receives Finishing Touches<div>
The <i>Middletown</i> (formerly known as <i>Carolyn</i>) is receiving
finishing touches to its interior. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Earlier this year, restorationist Alex Cielo painted the interior moldings
a contrasting, yet complimentary color. Gail, from <a href="http://www.lombardozziinteriors.com/Site/Home.html">Lombardozzi Interiors</a>, made curtains for all of the windows
using a blue fabric, often used on fast trains such as "The Royal Blue", which harkens back to the car's days as Baltimore & Ohio
"Capitol Road". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuQLWw0wIMUrFK3gHdZXb4jO4z9gxN_DkFzeTx-erjovJAnb6aJvdycP0ZXlOoQ2KR1zK7hEG1YNBe7HihvRjvfrFdBSwTdDPLNgBFIQUGU08Z68jqRjrXjIITiyHtbE7-9NmKZ459wc/s1600/Middletown+Curtain+Installation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuQLWw0wIMUrFK3gHdZXb4jO4z9gxN_DkFzeTx-erjovJAnb6aJvdycP0ZXlOoQ2KR1zK7hEG1YNBe7HihvRjvfrFdBSwTdDPLNgBFIQUGU08Z68jqRjrXjIITiyHtbE7-9NmKZ459wc/s400/Middletown+Curtain+Installation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Here, Bill Wolf has mounted all of the brackets needed and begins to hang
the curtains.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
J. David </div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-5246462338510548842016-06-22T15:26:00.005-07:002016-06-23T06:01:31.356-07:00Summer Intern Position: Boilermaker? <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When Chip Mahoney, an 18 year old senior at New Canaan High School approached Valley Railroad Shop Supervisor Wayne Hebert about the possibility of a summer internship, Wayne was a bit skeptical, it is unusual to find young people who want to work on steam locomotives per se, and it would mean a nearly two hour drive each way. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But Chip is an unusual young man. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />As he put it: “I found myself interested in railroading at a very young age. My parents took me to a 15” gauge miniature railroad in the Berkeley, California foothills one day and I was hooked from then on. Eventually I started to volunteer there, doing track work and later locomotive maintenance. Even at that young age I was captivated by the moving parts, slowly escaping steam, and the people who ran and maintained the equipment”.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“In the steam world you have to do a bit of everything. For the most part my skills as a machinist, welder and general mechanic are self- taught. I read a bit, and try to teach myself how to do something for a specific project. It’s a very “learn as you go” method”.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I currently attend New Canaan High School. As a graduating senior, the school offers an internship program to students who wish to have practical work experience in the field that they are going to pursue after high school. I approached the Valley Railroad about a possible partnership with the school program and was greeted with enthusiasm for my participation”.<br /> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnTE-p9_8whjiE2lFHLJ1F9C0YveeO5YqpjqQO8PdX6ZmNYaT4SrGNH4tTdS01ehUC-bWQoH4OAkHn7TxJ7qaCHAx5Z3ahYrERW9vDQGL-9uA61NzcDw0_7VBLk3q6OPy6lcGH_5Y_qQ/s1600/Chip+0011+Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnTE-p9_8whjiE2lFHLJ1F9C0YveeO5YqpjqQO8PdX6ZmNYaT4SrGNH4tTdS01ehUC-bWQoH4OAkHn7TxJ7qaCHAx5Z3ahYrERW9vDQGL-9uA61NzcDw0_7VBLk3q6OPy6lcGH_5Y_qQ/s400/Chip+0011+Resize.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chip was put to work on steam locomotive No.97, first stabilizing the tender, then turning to the removal of the piping, sand domes and boiler jacket. By that time, it was apparent that well motivated and not afraid of hard work, so his next task was the removal of the boiler tubes and flues in preparation for the Federally mandated 1472 Service Day Inspection. (See prior “Enginehouse Blog Posts” for the background on this)<br /> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p0GtaOExgfErq690ieVOK5w7BXIRdVfpgpgSdFmO69Zkik-fFzRdRNuvTUFAMNlnpbpbrJXmDBVnyAdQ56tn2q_RYoMQPHpd24uHhgRIbGhY0lE9DQjRpyYMz1NlIu-iDFQolo4NIf8/s1600/Chip+0021+Resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p0GtaOExgfErq690ieVOK5w7BXIRdVfpgpgSdFmO69Zkik-fFzRdRNuvTUFAMNlnpbpbrJXmDBVnyAdQ56tn2q_RYoMQPHpd24uHhgRIbGhY0lE9DQjRpyYMz1NlIu-iDFQolo4NIf8/s400/Chip+0021+Resize.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">“It has been a fantastic experience to work with everyone at the railroad. They are like a family, where everyone helps one another with whatever is needed, and more importantly, everyone loves what they do”.<br /><br />“Here are some of the things I’ve learned so far: </span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Patience: When something won’t come apart or loose, use more Kroil</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Think ahead: Look at how to make something easier down the road. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Simplify large projects: Break down large projects into smaller steps so they are more manageable. Finish one step before starting another”.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ari Rothman, Chip’s advisor at New Canaan said: “I’m happy that Chip found an opportunity to work and learn in an area of interest that prepares him for his continuing education and career path. The folks at Essex Steam Train have been wonderful mentors and teachers and I truly appreciate all you’ve done with and for Chip. This has been an ideal internship experience!”<br /><br />Wayne summed it up nicely: “This has been a beneficial experience for all concerned, Chip’s enthusiasm is contagious and he has made a meaningful contribution to the restoration of No.97.<br /><br />J.David Conrad</span></span>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-3008973377931375572016-06-14T13:33:00.000-07:002016-06-23T06:01:04.811-07:00Crosstie Renewal in HaddamThe <a href="http://friendsvrr.org/">Friends of the Valley Railroad</a> have been busy doing crosstie renewal up in Haddam, just north of Midway Marina. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDTZmo4P1fHlOeFtylT-dRHLjaGC2rAJv0SsIlzlZ7eKQ4NajJaHw7P9DCW5wzUL9FnAvFNfj2M0pzC9NV5m21oRO40pFzEjhbNJ15nFOuOxvmKF_6yaO7HPg-fpNYO5XtBM6jvcS34U/s1600/IMG_3524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDTZmo4P1fHlOeFtylT-dRHLjaGC2rAJv0SsIlzlZ7eKQ4NajJaHw7P9DCW5wzUL9FnAvFNfj2M0pzC9NV5m21oRO40pFzEjhbNJ15nFOuOxvmKF_6yaO7HPg-fpNYO5XtBM6jvcS34U/s400/IMG_3524.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Brendan Matthews / FVRR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The team has been working hard, mostly by hand, to bring this track
back to life, having not seen regular train service since 1968. In the
background is Midway Marina; once they have all their boats in the
water, the VRR track crew will get to work unearthing the track in the
vicinity of the marina to connect active track with the portion the
volunteers are currently working on. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dOHz63BddD3H3fL2bCierV73RA1VP3vnl4YfkyTmO8XJtDlDMZ1vfrAzw9MyXnMpjyDM-o16bOBsIuC_fzTifOC2zEbfKsjftGtBHnFrqaSq8l1TiYIw2sAt6ci5tazP-t5YSaar3Ko/s1600/IMG_3525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dOHz63BddD3H3fL2bCierV73RA1VP3vnl4YfkyTmO8XJtDlDMZ1vfrAzw9MyXnMpjyDM-o16bOBsIuC_fzTifOC2zEbfKsjftGtBHnFrqaSq8l1TiYIw2sAt6ci5tazP-t5YSaar3Ko/s400/IMG_3525.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Brendan Matthews / FVRR</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The yellow machine
(a track bed scarifier) was dragged across the gravel through the
marina, as the rails are buried beneath the gravel. The scarifier
loosens the ballast material between the ties, then it's all hand work
to dig out the ballast, jack up the track, remove the deteriorated tie,
and pull a new one in by hand. Then the tie is "tamped" to make it
solid, plated, then spiked. A time-honored process!<br />
<br />
As
this track is opened, it will be used by the Essex Clipper, the Haddam
Special Foliage Excursions, and the upcoming Eagle Flyer.<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>Robert W. Bradway, Jr.</b></div>
Vice President - Track and PropertyJudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-19374522912150527412016-06-07T11:58:00.000-07:002016-06-23T06:04:02.917-07:00Found: One Ancient Boiler<div>
During a landscape project last week, we were surprised to discover an ancient boiler buried in the ground. The boiler is typical of the type used in small factories of that era, such
as the birch oil mill adjacent to where it was found.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-nIZgpnGT_ioIqo5L4ZA5YqxNUerAd4RzehcOKi1yk2NCI2xWhSXN6rT1nMuyHvApOwcTsNUzxXzwmykBnJVcCBI9o08k9_ykJLpM_2cndZM9Tu7idM9c67dFDeKPq2w35jjvSr4Fmw/s1600/Discovered+Boiler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-nIZgpnGT_ioIqo5L4ZA5YqxNUerAd4RzehcOKi1yk2NCI2xWhSXN6rT1nMuyHvApOwcTsNUzxXzwmykBnJVcCBI9o08k9_ykJLpM_2cndZM9Tu7idM9c67dFDeKPq2w35jjvSr4Fmw/s400/Discovered+Boiler.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
The mill was recently repaired in a joint effort by the <a href="http://www.essexhistory.org/">Essex Historical Society</a> and the <a href="http://essexsteamtrain.com/">Essex Steam Train & Riverboat</a>, and re-dedicated as the "Yellow Label Mill". The railroad stabilized the building, put on a new roof,
and painted / replaced windows; the historical society refurbished
signs and created panels that will tell the story of the factory.</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
The Yellow Label Mill was known as the
Birch Mill. It was built in 1915 and used until 1927 to distill and
bottle oil from Black Birch twigs. It was reopened briefly during World War II when synthetic birch oil became unavailable. <br />
<br />
The great thing about the Birch Mill was that the owners stopped
using it, but left it fairly intact. “It was like they locked the
building and walked away. It’s virtually a time capsule of industrial
history from 100 years ago.” says Essex Historical Society Director Melissa A.
Josefiak.<br />
<br />
Source: Middletown Press - <a href="http://www.middletownpress.com/article/MI/20160512/NEWS/160519857">Dickinson Witch Hazel story comes to life this weekend in Essex</a> (5/12/16)<br />
<br />
We believe this to be the only remaining mill of its type in existence. <br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
J. David </div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-31393084209891799582016-05-22T04:52:00.003-07:002016-06-23T06:03:08.837-07:00First Train in 48 Years!<div>
</div>
<div>
Evidence of our on-going restoration of the line northward for enhanced
viewing for the Essex Clipper Dinner Train, the Eagle Flyer, the Haddam Special
Fall Foliage Day Trip, and other future scenic opportunities in Haddam.<br />
<br />
The
current limit of operable track is nearly adjacent to the popular <a href="http://blueoarct.wix.com/ctrestaurants">Blue Oar</a>
riverside restaurant, with more to
come in the very near future. This line extension north of Goodspeed Station
(Route 82 /Bridge Road) has already provided stunning views of the Connecticut
River, East Haddam Swing Bridge, historic homes overlooking the river in East
Haddam, eagles dining from holes in the river ice, and the confluence of the
Salmon and CT Rivers. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q9fbuNQ6K6M/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q9fbuNQ6K6M?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Video courtesy of Lee Carlson</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This extension has been the culmination of years of hard work by the
dedicated <a href="http://friendsvrr.org/">Friends of the Valley Railroad</a>, working under the guidance and
supervision of The Valley Railroad Company. The project is entirely privately
funded - no public monies are being used on this project.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For folks that want to see or photograph the Dinner Train at this new northern stopping
location, we kindly ask that they respect the private property of the adjacent
marina.</div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-74674101269997281392015-11-09T12:26:00.003-08:002016-06-23T06:04:54.182-07:00Winterizing the Becky Thatcher Riverboat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDR11wV3vmRiDEbNVrxoyX_9o0ND_GKWNE0ycEOCvmkIqQvfpD1VhrJ-Mb008k030N94eCTHJ_LVmz9J5g3bz-lkaTrrNS1nYmXyoZqFcB4ugnJdVxUCR3iF0YMK_36M1DFPDJxplIqHE/s1600/Becky+6-up+sequence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDR11wV3vmRiDEbNVrxoyX_9o0ND_GKWNE0ycEOCvmkIqQvfpD1VhrJ-Mb008k030N94eCTHJ_LVmz9J5g3bz-lkaTrrNS1nYmXyoZqFcB4ugnJdVxUCR3iF0YMK_36M1DFPDJxplIqHE/s400/Becky+6-up+sequence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Ever wondered what we do with our riverboat, <i>Becky Thatcher</i>, during
the winter months? She stays at our dock in Deep River, covered and
shrink-wrapped where we do maintenance all winter. Every fifth winter,
she's taken to a shipyard where she gets hauled out for a routine hull
inspection. In addition to winterizing the engines and water lines,
here's how we break down and cover the boat when she's going to be
sitting at the dock for the winter.<br />
<br />
Thanks, Captain Paul, for the write-up and the foresight to grab this photo sequence!Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-21852419574725785992015-10-26T15:00:00.003-07:002016-06-23T06:05:46.244-07:00Progress on No. 97Readers of this blog with long memories will recall that a couple of years ago we did a <a href="http://theenginehouse.blogspot.com/2012/03/no-97-inspection.html">preliminary inspection of No. 97</a> to assist us with the development of a Scope of Work and a budget for the restoration to service of this locomotive.<br />
<br />
Early this year, I received a call from Nick Kallas who was planning seminars and workshops for the <a href="http://www.atrrm.org/">Association of Tourist Railroads and Railway Museums</a> convention, held this past year at the Illinois Railway Museum. Nick wanted ideas that would utilize some the specialized machines and facilities there. Knowing the IRM possesses a number of "McCabe Pnuematic Flangers", I immediately suggested a demonstration of one by the leading authority on their use: Gary Bensman of Diversified Rail Services. <i>And oh, by the way, he could demonstrate the machine by making the firebox door sheet patch that we will need for No.97. </i><br />
<br />
I asked IRM's Steam Department Foreman, Tom Schnieder if this was possible and Tom thought it was a fine idea.
Now, for those of you who don't know, a McCabe is a machine designed to bend the edges of parts for boilers or fireboxes in either straight or curved shapes. They could be used to manufacture new boilers or make repair parts for old ones in odd shapes with steel thicknesses ranging from 3/8" to 1". It consists of a frame to which is attached a large air cylinder, which operates a straight rack, which engages a curved rack, to which is attached a die (straight or curved in a variety of sizes). A corresponding die is mounted on the frame.
The steel to be shaped is held on frame with clamps. When the piston in the cylinder moves, the die bends the steel. Of course, many small bends are made rather than a few big ones.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVjhbSSMgDeYPyfsq_5l_8il1fFuCMLkk2x1VZwvvnUyjzYRoa_CWaZjnm98KcplWODLcGx5OODbNvqxGlrhmkZYd9XB31_zwYoussqDI6vAJt6ZkMoE5J2Z8NJcEL7r7FO1YckIV3Ww/s1600/flanger01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVjhbSSMgDeYPyfsq_5l_8il1fFuCMLkk2x1VZwvvnUyjzYRoa_CWaZjnm98KcplWODLcGx5OODbNvqxGlrhmkZYd9XB31_zwYoussqDI6vAJt6ZkMoE5J2Z8NJcEL7r7FO1YckIV3Ww/s400/flanger01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary Operating the McCabe Flanger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For the demonstration, Gary explained how to lay out the part to be made (his layout lines can be seen on the patch), how to set up, and how to operate the machine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDs_WIfrISzhuH2k3UrWBLCdewfw5J1dgIolmUQI77c1oCl7W0kglhM_ytIUAnc518Vl0SL7inrXBQgcCM8Ag2CPbKRoXtvkMIoAiffERrHcOdq7BlrAvicul4s3khoQHFMeoSdPIsabg/s1600/flanger02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDs_WIfrISzhuH2k3UrWBLCdewfw5J1dgIolmUQI77c1oCl7W0kglhM_ytIUAnc518Vl0SL7inrXBQgcCM8Ag2CPbKRoXtvkMIoAiffERrHcOdq7BlrAvicul4s3khoQHFMeoSdPIsabg/s400/flanger02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section of No.97 Door Sheet Removed For Replacement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Special thanks to Gary Bensman, Tom Schneider and Kjell Benner (who removed the old sheet from No.97 and transported everything from Connecticut to Illinois).<br />
<br />
J. David Conrad
<br />
<div>
Chief Mechanical Officer</div>
<br />Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-38661548640371195002015-10-14T10:09:00.000-07:002016-06-23T06:06:31.618-07:00No. 40 Returns to Service<div>
After its 1472 Service Day / 15 Year Inspection, 95 year old Locomotive No. 40 is back
at work hauling passengers.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbyIsEWw4jvz0HgRbw4Q6oCszLp2c_zkVQUOUWfdlXc1iGRyB0x5o89mdVcqaWyIIt40e2L2Y5y3dO4X-LiTQCUreXWUnrOzv1SW5bxezfLixJ9prsPPwRVPGn02bP4ByONDzjxH5PtU/s1600/Number+40+October+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbyIsEWw4jvz0HgRbw4Q6oCszLp2c_zkVQUOUWfdlXc1iGRyB0x5o89mdVcqaWyIIt40e2L2Y5y3dO4X-LiTQCUreXWUnrOzv1SW5bxezfLixJ9prsPPwRVPGn02bP4ByONDzjxH5PtU/s400/Number+40+October+2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Valley shop crews began the Federally mandated inspection shortly after the
last runs of our 2014 North Pole Express trains.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
The work included removing all the piping, jacketing and insulation from
the exterior of the boiler and all the fire tubes from inside the boiler. Once
this had been accomplished, the entire boiler was cleaned inside and out,
"minutely" inspected for defects and ultra-sonicly tested for the current
thickness of all its parts. Armed with fresh thickness readings, new "Form 4"
calculations can be made to determine the boiler MAWP (maximum allowed working
pressure) for the next term of service.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
The boiler was painted inside and out with special paint designed for the
purpose, a new set of boiler tubes installed, insulation, jacketing and the
piping applied.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Mechanical work included babbitting the side rod bearings and making new
bearings for the main rods. All the rods were converted to oil
lubrication.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
It will be remembered that the mechanical work was "fractionalized", with
the locomotive's wheels being reprofiled to meet Federal standards two years
ago. Also, the spring and brake rigging was rebuilt at that time.</div>
<div>
<br />
No. 40 is back pulling our "Fall Foliage" trains through October 25th, and
will be busy working our 2015 North Pole Express trains (along with No. 3025) beginning in November.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
J. David Conrad</div>
<div>
Chief Mechanical Officer</div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-87980574544147938982015-09-17T05:54:00.001-07:002016-06-23T06:08:15.017-07:00Track Update and ImprovementsThe Valley Railroad Company just completed a major project to improve its route of tracks in Essex, Deep River, and Chester. 32 hopper car loads of stone ballast, purchased from French River Materials in Thompson, CT, and delivered to our connection at Old Saybrook by the Providence and Worcester Railroad, were distributed along 6-1/2 miles of mainline track.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxm3uNJ10tD3gSWAumm64fMcy5owOHArupt7r5vIYH1GqF6Z5h6_d_pouawZF282wKrBmzhtK6Mv7PjuxAKav1IK1ppYeXqLDYtknOClfw49u32HPp7948h-0x4MgEOh0fVmV0a07grDw/s1600/Ballast+train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxm3uNJ10tD3gSWAumm64fMcy5owOHArupt7r5vIYH1GqF6Z5h6_d_pouawZF282wKrBmzhtK6Mv7PjuxAKav1IK1ppYeXqLDYtknOClfw49u32HPp7948h-0x4MgEOh0fVmV0a07grDw/s320/Ballast+train.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Work Extra 0901, crossing Chester Creek - Lee Carlson</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
C&G Surfacing Specialists were hired to laser align, surface, and "tamp" (force the stone ballast beneath the ties) the track. Valley Railroad has been replacing worn crossties for many years, and has very near 100% solid tie structure on this section, the most heavily used of the Valley mainline. This project was funded entirely by The Valley Railroad Company.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQciesABhTuHfSYe7k4aMAnDG14imK5k0rPBn48t8Z1G_yq_mNN-MJHgJCXD3UODF6SJu53IMLZi7TvfsaOJsTtW8pY4GNZXHDXgk4Uao9sUR4XIGi3Nqzt9-NpMpdIG0CaTXoIHsx54/s1600/Tamper+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQciesABhTuHfSYe7k4aMAnDG14imK5k0rPBn48t8Z1G_yq_mNN-MJHgJCXD3UODF6SJu53IMLZi7TvfsaOJsTtW8pY4GNZXHDXgk4Uao9sUR4XIGi3Nqzt9-NpMpdIG0CaTXoIHsx54/s320/Tamper+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The tamper at Dock Road, Chester, with the ballast regulator following. - Lee Carlson</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBaeOqrkLEc2fXd-4E-EwoTIRqr34l5TEp9mDcbfQev5qwwsPUE3hbg2CzIV8A7Gm70ylwA3jxOIZmAD5dlCyCKYo7oUuGsMZ5p23U-sJzCSL4D0MOuaWqZfwUCqloqrD6-Um6kGo0c8/s1600/Tamper+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBaeOqrkLEc2fXd-4E-EwoTIRqr34l5TEp9mDcbfQev5qwwsPUE3hbg2CzIV8A7Gm70ylwA3jxOIZmAD5dlCyCKYo7oUuGsMZ5p23U-sJzCSL4D0MOuaWqZfwUCqloqrD6-Um6kGo0c8/s320/Tamper+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Tamping at Milepost 9 - Lee Carlson</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Valley undertook this project to both improve the ride quality for our guests, as well as to better preserve our historic train equipment by having it roll over smoother track. Although we only operate our trains at 20 MPH (and have no intent on changing that) the quality of the track would now support trains of 45 MPH or faster.<br />
<br />
Track expansion to the north has been steady, and our Essex Clipper Dinner Train now may operate to Milepost 13.25, which is a full mile north of the Route 82 crossing in Haddam.<br />
<br />
<br />
Robert W. Bradway, Jr.<br />
VP & Track Superintendent<br />
<br />
<i>Want to keep up to date on Valley Railroad Company track and rolling stock projects? Visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/108166510721/">I Like the Valley Railroad</a> group on Facebook! </i>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-32117643044972997592015-07-10T14:06:00.001-07:002016-06-23T09:09:13.639-07:00Rolling TubesBoiler tubes must be expanded to make them water and steam tight using a tool commonly called a roller.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN0JZe8i51LSJWhjtzduVyEOtrV3MBRPYbkPGMvNsikam3FJDFsmmu1kJyKTYOMWVdeiq8AEK35xY1tBYttYsVdNHhrG9Fr3xw2o5P0c97xflg7SZMgee41AJc17ZlgXhuRBr6LEeFTI/s1600/Rolling+Tubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN0JZe8i51LSJWhjtzduVyEOtrV3MBRPYbkPGMvNsikam3FJDFsmmu1kJyKTYOMWVdeiq8AEK35xY1tBYttYsVdNHhrG9Fr3xw2o5P0c97xflg7SZMgee41AJc17ZlgXhuRBr6LEeFTI/s400/Rolling+Tubes.jpg" /></a></div>
Here Wayne rolls another of the 253 tubes. The machine he holds is an air motor which drives the roller.<br />
<br />
Once all the tubes have been rolled, the next step is to form a bead on the end with an air hammer and special
forming tool. - J. David
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-44691023896254939992015-07-09T08:42:00.000-07:002016-06-23T09:09:58.810-07:00We See What You Did There....Yesterday, the Hartford Yard Goats, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Colorado Rockies, announced their new mascot, logo, and look.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/hc-hartford-yard-goats-logo-0709-20150708-story.html">Hartford Yard Goats Unveil Logo, Pay Tribute To Whalers With Colors</a> - Hartford Courant / July 8, 2015<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The name, submitted by a New Jersey man who attended UConn, is an old
railroad slang term that had no apparent connection to the market. <br />
<br />
There
was an effort to incorporate the train theme into the logo, from giving
the goat a conductor's hat to including railroad tracks at the base of
the image.<br />
<br />
"It felt too cartoonish," Domino said.<br />
<br />
Domino Googled the defunct New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company and was struck by that logo. He loved the lettering — classy, old-school and traditional. "I realized this was the way to honor the railroad part of it," Domino said.
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPB6B2aIHYnx7u1KvpMSqvcUogfujhPWt8tkA6Tu_INYMDVztucdiWJkMPwKBi_Wg91cv2iihY3or2kGw3laGqfpSX27aMBHjrEpHZJSEjDdBsUa-XMVhHu2WddglEHbymjKHr_eGosg/s1600/Yard+Goats+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPB6B2aIHYnx7u1KvpMSqvcUogfujhPWt8tkA6Tu_INYMDVztucdiWJkMPwKBi_Wg91cv2iihY3or2kGw3laGqfpSX27aMBHjrEpHZJSEjDdBsUa-XMVhHu2WddglEHbymjKHr_eGosg/s400/Yard+Goats+Logo.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now why is that logo so familiar? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ah yes, the Friends of the Valley Railroad Boxcar 35386, repainted and lettered in 2008, and captured here in all it's glory by Lee Carlson. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHZrREMCXUVBqNRO9IlpkIBc8kexlVzSo3zX_ixkZHsg2B16Lk2c9ZkePfB_DW17UYf_zjhtmUrMWSo1-W5QxsbgfWeTDT0RoCEPcTwOnVFogJNQbxO3ZQAimN6j3hQkcxyPjV2vxZgQ/s1600/Valley+RR+Co+35386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHZrREMCXUVBqNRO9IlpkIBc8kexlVzSo3zX_ixkZHsg2B16Lk2c9ZkePfB_DW17UYf_zjhtmUrMWSo1-W5QxsbgfWeTDT0RoCEPcTwOnVFogJNQbxO3ZQAimN6j3hQkcxyPjV2vxZgQ/s400/Valley+RR+Co+35386.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Valley Railroad (operating company behind the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat) was part of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad (or more commonly, the New Haven) system from 1892 - 1968. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're proud to have the railroad heritage of the "Yard Goats" recognized in their new font, and wish them the best of luck as they get ready to bring professional baseball to Hartford in 2016. </div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-49294563309863328292015-07-08T10:39:00.003-07:002016-06-23T06:10:17.679-07:00Only 246 to Go...<br />
A milestone in our rebuilding of No. 40 has been reached: All of the new boiler tubes are in the boiler! Wayne and Kjell, assisted by Morgan and Ron made short work of sliding the tubes into their holes in the front and back tube sheets. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdZdnzd74aMKdeIgJ14iF5Yz8h5ls93i0rRmoeGs4ijMXh7V7w1qZkOM7CnJfi7y1gxc6wpML0McWyLTWRnRv4Vn058cEx3KTBlvF0qrCby0QxnSj85B74YZ5RMaNhLotC_TQ3LdMj9A/s1600/40+Boiler+Tubers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdZdnzd74aMKdeIgJ14iF5Yz8h5ls93i0rRmoeGs4ijMXh7V7w1qZkOM7CnJfi7y1gxc6wpML0McWyLTWRnRv4Vn058cEx3KTBlvF0qrCby0QxnSj85B74YZ5RMaNhLotC_TQ3LdMj9A/s400/40+Boiler+Tubers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here Kjell lines up a tube in its hole.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now the process of expanding the tubes into their holes making them water and steam tight will begin. Once expanded, the ends at the back (fire box) end will be beaded using an air hammer and specially shaped tool. Then any excess material at the front (smoke box) end will be trimmed off, the beads seal welded to the rear tube sheet and then lightly expanded again.<br />
<br />
When all this has been done, No. 40 will be ready for a hydrostatic test of the boiler. - J. David Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-1255397425009778532015-07-07T15:56:00.005-07:002016-06-23T09:10:46.690-07:00Hot Stuff!As part of the 15 year inspection of our No. 40, all 253 boiler tubes were removed from the boiler to enable a minute inspection of its interior. A new set of boiler tubes were purchased to replace
the old ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic80KXEdgUw8Vt_TX2ZIHMkA2egWmBlgxf8F18EzTuHUca_bB3UK3s8rbR2S7nqVTPxJq1KsVZFZlIzoIzObQ8EKLXvS-IaR2NA7dJyNGmfj6vD5FJgALaljewuBZA1iANAwo77uH5kcM/s1600/Blog+Post+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic80KXEdgUw8Vt_TX2ZIHMkA2egWmBlgxf8F18EzTuHUca_bB3UK3s8rbR2S7nqVTPxJq1KsVZFZlIzoIzObQ8EKLXvS-IaR2NA7dJyNGmfj6vD5FJgALaljewuBZA1iANAwo77uH5kcM/s400/Blog+Post+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here, Kjell anneals the ends of the tubes in our rivet forge. Annealing softens the steel so the tube can be easily expanded into the tube sheets and made steam tight. - J. David
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-21193250357648452972015-07-07T15:53:00.001-07:002015-07-07T16:07:53.402-07:00FVRR Cabin Car Nears CompletionA last minute push by numerous volunteers brought the restoration of the former Pennsylvania Railroad cabin car (most railroads called this type of car a caboose), now owned by the Friends of the Valley Railroad, almost to completion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSIrHTipimsO-iCui130jcY_XI3n4NWlI4-b17iUTuNs_zMMd7AEI76yj4Y6xrJ4aEf1ChN4VadUz0HPdFVrgllqKFcuSgCw_b2vn8hPSqc1S92Ch3xBR4dJSSkixoe5e3iDC7fF4qH0/s1600/Caboose+Unlettered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSIrHTipimsO-iCui130jcY_XI3n4NWlI4-b17iUTuNs_zMMd7AEI76yj4Y6xrJ4aEf1ChN4VadUz0HPdFVrgllqKFcuSgCw_b2vn8hPSqc1S92Ch3xBR4dJSSkixoe5e3iDC7fF4qH0/s400/Caboose+Unlettered.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Last year the lower portions of the sides were replaced with new steel. This year all of the welds were ground smooth and the entire car sanded. After cleaning, it was primed, painted and minor repairs
made.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Sw_BsJvfbuPX36SfmqEk2PRm0qUk38jMSBN82luYljE0TGDFoIunfan0-O7bU2XPxnOU9nh2Kl3kGzYTBCkqXkC7ZwZmgK-hpTQRXaGQnMRUM00LiXDFl2QF7CJoLLZl10vZAN6moeY/s1600/Caboose+Window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Sw_BsJvfbuPX36SfmqEk2PRm0qUk38jMSBN82luYljE0TGDFoIunfan0-O7bU2XPxnOU9nh2Kl3kGzYTBCkqXkC7ZwZmgK-hpTQRXaGQnMRUM00LiXDFl2QF7CJoLLZl10vZAN6moeY/s400/Caboose+Window.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
Here, Tom repairs a window while the car sits in the sun with fresh paint. - J. David<br />
<br />
Lee Carlson was kind enough to capture some images of the lettering and finishing work, and a lovely shot of the cabin car making its debut on the July 4th Saybrook Special.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTI2dF1-7SIdWagTl4LDjmMXAP463kJv4WoQacAmuxlDtLsa7b9j9yDAWhPPyWQvvBGnizScQtQrcHtXguGX2dlbcskw7OhZU5FnlOS-ACgghXUx5QAE9GFDs2auhZwvXI_7TXbtdnFM/s1600/Lettering+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTI2dF1-7SIdWagTl4LDjmMXAP463kJv4WoQacAmuxlDtLsa7b9j9yDAWhPPyWQvvBGnizScQtQrcHtXguGX2dlbcskw7OhZU5FnlOS-ACgghXUx5QAE9GFDs2auhZwvXI_7TXbtdnFM/s400/Lettering+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veronica, checking the layout / Lee Carlson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTdYWWDbwkULUTa9NMlM2MpT7dGtgCQKpx-mOX5HyXLPrb6Y5TCH1iUaIM78xvHknox8S8WT7lPtnyymAcJIyaVoFlFQREMgWP3X4b_vdhydUUzJAHdOdayWtEgwz7AS-mvL3OKKuQuY/s1600/Lettering+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTdYWWDbwkULUTa9NMlM2MpT7dGtgCQKpx-mOX5HyXLPrb6Y5TCH1iUaIM78xvHknox8S8WT7lPtnyymAcJIyaVoFlFQREMgWP3X4b_vdhydUUzJAHdOdayWtEgwz7AS-mvL3OKKuQuY/s400/Lettering+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veronica, mounting the big stencil / Lee Carlson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF2k7b5bqJY9TONBpD3N-syN9GdT4Cxek00gQS4EpKU-SfNgKsvWrzh67EdKB4A2bvJ-rnecD7MfB422AI9ad3nMq4R-cFl9R5T-hznTh5CmjZBtwWPu1_KVsAvWvxz-33jCvkFRv3XM/s1600/PRR+Caboose+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF2k7b5bqJY9TONBpD3N-syN9GdT4Cxek00gQS4EpKU-SfNgKsvWrzh67EdKB4A2bvJ-rnecD7MfB422AI9ad3nMq4R-cFl9R5T-hznTh5CmjZBtwWPu1_KVsAvWvxz-33jCvkFRv3XM/s400/PRR+Caboose+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">A work in progress. Not finished, but coming along / Lee Carlson</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf-SB1TBOSkiPxEUP-7CIh-4pZ56GoQL8lrqaANrsSGr9FNZ2OiqrI8GD6rh2Ad6tGDxLjT4jDVgqUVtQoGbPb9C0MxifFpek1xBUew6bL6BrcvhDuNNiXehujcCfI3lRIV8jSGTMt8Y/s1600/PRR+Caboose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf-SB1TBOSkiPxEUP-7CIh-4pZ56GoQL8lrqaANrsSGr9FNZ2OiqrI8GD6rh2Ad6tGDxLjT4jDVgqUVtQoGbPb9C0MxifFpek1xBUew6bL6BrcvhDuNNiXehujcCfI3lRIV8jSGTMt8Y/s400/PRR+Caboose.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PRR 477449 / Lee Carlson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwtbwm1hGR1SzQI_H9_aZVP0koOyloZ_P-Gf1noBxOaZSAgucZiQ04qnXKrbI7HVLuTBhW_a1X8_DsX5s_KXxZsllwbF1uHKdKjCVxkm82iLI1KLLJP2DH_xC2lB4e76vKyiajJNYtaM/s1600/Cabin+Car+in+Service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwtbwm1hGR1SzQI_H9_aZVP0koOyloZ_P-Gf1noBxOaZSAgucZiQ04qnXKrbI7HVLuTBhW_a1X8_DsX5s_KXxZsllwbF1uHKdKjCVxkm82iLI1KLLJP2DH_xC2lB4e76vKyiajJNYtaM/s400/Cabin+Car+in+Service.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 4th Saybrook Special, near the RMNE yard,<br />
with Roman Daniels and Paul Goodman / Lee Carlson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-16787426311603491902015-07-07T15:38:00.001-07:002015-07-07T16:09:51.686-07:00How Thick is the Firebox?Our steam locomotive No.40 is in the midst of its 15 year inspection as mandated by Federal Law. This
inspection must be completed before No.40 can operate again.<br />
<br />
One of the requirements is for us to recalculate the maximum pressure every part of the boiler can withstand. To make our calculations, we must measure the actual thickness of all parts of the boiler and firebox. An Ultra-Sonic Thickness Tester is used to make the hundreds of measurements.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr22p9vp2jM08Bor_ZU8xpkTmqPXrcLee93_ERgIPUSJzsKmo19lt32gSQ3_r388hKkq_xRk8ZraKuc-XKl3xt4VtLtww5Pux4eLT5fCSDMEj9UXpWeVY5hmB64ubp_uHZ9PO5QicTtc/s1600/Blog+Post+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr22p9vp2jM08Bor_ZU8xpkTmqPXrcLee93_ERgIPUSJzsKmo19lt32gSQ3_r388hKkq_xRk8ZraKuc-XKl3xt4VtLtww5Pux4eLT5fCSDMEj9UXpWeVY5hmB64ubp_uHZ9PO5QicTtc/s400/Blog+Post+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here, Kjell measures a portion of the firebox. The numbers seen are the thicknesses he has found.<br />
<br />
The numbers for each portion of the boiler will be compiled and the lowest values will be used in the calculations. The weakest part of the boiler divide by four (the allowance for safety) will determine the Maximum Allowed Working Pressure (MAWP), for No. 40's next term of service. - J. David
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-309110627512491172015-07-07T15:35:00.003-07:002015-07-07T16:11:41.560-07:00Happiness is a Rebuilt JackVisitors often ask: "How on earth do you get under the cars to work on them?"<br />
<br />
Well one method is to jack them up. Of course the jacks we use are not anything you might use to jack up your auto, our cars weigh between 55 and 85 tons, so we need jacks designed for the job.
Recently, we had our set of 35 ton, air powered jacks rebuilt, load tested and re-certified.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc5nU5_fSYt7FPECWAERklaExo8Cnip4MINGBMVc8pO4dspCqVcGENdb9PfSTDTq4akOz44kPEgnidIJS-S-UE-Iimq4DVqU30QWC3N02yB-TZGDfJqlB8GuolvP7mvDHswogwuJvwio/s1600/Blog+Post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc5nU5_fSYt7FPECWAERklaExo8Cnip4MINGBMVc8pO4dspCqVcGENdb9PfSTDTq4akOz44kPEgnidIJS-S-UE-Iimq4DVqU30QWC3N02yB-TZGDfJqlB8GuolvP7mvDHswogwuJvwio/s400/Blog+Post+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here, Wayne and Morgan have car 601 raised up so the springs can be shimmed to level the car body (a second jack is on the opposite side of the car).<br />
<br />
Keeping the cars level side to side and front to back and the proper height off the rails insure that parts wear evenly and, of course there are governmental regulations to be mindful of as
well. - J. DavidJudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-7530931726689074442015-05-14T07:41:00.003-07:002015-05-14T07:42:27.117-07:00Meet the Goodspeed!<div class="MsoNormal">
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our newest member of the VRR passenger car fleet. Last Friday, the long-awaited arrival of our new First-Class car <i>Goodspeed</i> came to fruition. Formerly located in Florida, the car took a circuitous journey to finally be delivered to the Old Saybrook wye by the P&W Railroad. Valley crews brought her home to Track 11 where she now awaits renovations for future First-Class service, adding capacity for our popular <i>North Pole Express</i>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqawv-6ITaX_2Nn2wTfC9KMTnfvduYjYsp7kE8yq1T4IZZ-omyKqv9NemgXEOXOae7KfZ-IGU6-dNoxB8nygORxUuHZ34eWZDk-OQzinOh7m9LGgQnIRB-mnOa67A6CaPk-_a7NYwqRzE/s1600/Goodspeed+Arrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqawv-6ITaX_2Nn2wTfC9KMTnfvduYjYsp7kE8yq1T4IZZ-omyKqv9NemgXEOXOae7KfZ-IGU6-dNoxB8nygORxUuHZ34eWZDk-OQzinOh7m9LGgQnIRB-mnOa67A6CaPk-_a7NYwqRzE/s400/Goodspeed+Arrival.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kevin Dodd adds: <i>We owe a debt of gratitude and appreciation to Dave Conrad
for his time, during his vacation, to make repair, inspect, and prepare the
Goodspeed for its journey north. Dave’s efforts to find good and
exceptional investment opportunities like this have been a huge factor in the
success of the Essex Steam Train.</i></div>
Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-7661155777842645722015-05-06T07:44:00.000-07:002015-05-14T07:46:09.510-07:00Engine House NewsBob Wuchert reports: <i>Over the winter months, the Engine House was, and continues to be, a beehive of activity. Work progresses on Locomotive 40’s boiler; coach cars have been in and out of the shop receiving inspections and repairs; the Open Car received a great amount of steel work, floor refurbishment, seat painting and staining, new lighting throughout the car, a service bar, new beverage holders and other improvements.</i>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-38844916580530107412015-02-18T15:15:00.000-08:002015-02-18T15:16:34.596-08:00Diesel 1606 Placed in ServiceOn February 13th, we conducted a test run of our newest Diesel Locomotive, Number 1606, purchased from the US Air Force <a href="http://theenginehouse.blogspot.com/2014/03/spring-updates-long-overdue.html">back in March 2014</a>. Normally, a new piece of motive power is big news around here, but this got a bit buried in the preparation for our annual Eagle Flyer excursion,
several snow storms, and the resultant need to plow our line. Fortunately, Lee Carlson took a few photos to commemorate the event! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NR84Ac4ixwdaY7BfOGMYqfXe8XM_5WOVCWUjJrCec8LZto83aasrTJpO9VXTSDmpwxWlpDHf3nqM3PxJu15QlQ7-B2PCbslf6L4AYuX3GtAgKVjJDH1ukaH-aKEqBjwOZCKhns6LHUg/s1600/1606+Lee+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NR84Ac4ixwdaY7BfOGMYqfXe8XM_5WOVCWUjJrCec8LZto83aasrTJpO9VXTSDmpwxWlpDHf3nqM3PxJu15QlQ7-B2PCbslf6L4AYuX3GtAgKVjJDH1ukaH-aKEqBjwOZCKhns6LHUg/s1600/1606+Lee+1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Rob Bradway provides the following update:<br />
<br />
"The Valley Railroad's latest motive power aquisition made its road
debut, pulling the Eagle Flyer trainset on a test run on Friday. GE 80 ton
diesel-electric 1606 successfully pulled the 650 ton train across the
snowy landscape from Goodspeed Station in Haddam back to Essex.<br />
<br />
Completely
rebuilt by the US Air Force prior to being purchased last year by Valley, the
1606 is identical to our old reliable 0900 and, once in a coat of fresh
paint (scheme to be determined - suggestions??) will become the railroad's
primary vintage diesel power on the Essex Clipper Dinner Train." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD4z2phZED3zoh5Alkh0_SPES1aiXsfXLvQpAyoa59IO3IHc3w9CISIHQu4L8A4iGM8C8QvJC9VZ1XVqE1p5C_qVjMDHusy39bC4YAP9A28aUig4CVzP63k1gIbJBxR4qeOL_2CPK4jI/s1600/1606+Lee+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD4z2phZED3zoh5Alkh0_SPES1aiXsfXLvQpAyoa59IO3IHc3w9CISIHQu4L8A4iGM8C8QvJC9VZ1XVqE1p5C_qVjMDHusy39bC4YAP9A28aUig4CVzP63k1gIbJBxR4qeOL_2CPK4jI/s1600/1606+Lee+2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome on board, 1606! Even though we're known for our Steam Locomotives, we love our vintage Diesels as well!<br />
<br />
Look for a more formal dedication and commissioning once we get her painted up and bring her into full time service!Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-90231564013781507292015-01-30T03:20:00.001-08:002015-01-30T03:20:11.199-08:00Plowing the Right-of-WayWe pulled out our historic Hoosac Tunnel & Wilmington snow plow for the second time ever this week, to clean up the 2' of snow that storm Colbie dropped in Essex and along the CT River in preparation for our <a href="http://essexsteamtrain.com/special-events/eagle-flyer/">Eagle Flyer</a> excursions, Feb 14-16. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIxHEOWEDpb9_pZf34fdGN0mNGRj6VHVZ26iyiVWxAJIfNnbjp0a4pm5Xd8LBOPsfGG7dgFaMO0JLLAddhpgDzTdGvz-tnjvmeAoxFrNPK-t3Rvs-HQsTaqAFklQtZ4mG15nmDplLAig/s1600/Snow+Plowing+Hartford+Courant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIxHEOWEDpb9_pZf34fdGN0mNGRj6VHVZ26iyiVWxAJIfNnbjp0a4pm5Xd8LBOPsfGG7dgFaMO0JLLAddhpgDzTdGvz-tnjvmeAoxFrNPK-t3Rvs-HQsTaqAFklQtZ4mG15nmDplLAig/s1600/Snow+Plowing+Hartford+Courant.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad Horrigan / Hartford Courant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were fortunate to have two media outlets come along for the ride, and the results are in!<br />
<ul>
<li>Hartford Courant: <a href="http://www.courant.com/hc-valley-railroad-plows-snow-20150129-photogallery.html">Valley Railroad Plows Snow</a> (photo gallery)</li>
<li>WFSB Channel 3: <a href="http://www.wfsb.com/story/27978386/snow-plow-in-essex-is-on-unique-mission">Snow Plow in Essex is on a Unique Mission</a> (video / story)</li>
</ul>
Much thanks to the Valley Railroad crew for their hard work and for inviting the media along - providing Connecticut residents with a behind the scenes look at vintage railroad equipment and operations. Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4356563046890186892.post-71870952902065501432015-01-13T06:39:00.004-08:002015-01-13T06:39:43.672-08:00Around the ShopThe new Locomotive Servicing Facility is being put to really good use this winter as the boiler work on Locomotive 40 gets underway, work in preparation for the annual FRA locomotive inspection nears completion and work on Locomotive 1606 progresses. This addition to our shop facilities has greatly enhanced the capabilities of our Engine House crews to get necessary work on the equipment accomplished in a protected environment.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjBzznF1dAW8GdomhXSWbqY4kh4cCQwihjt9VdWm_vVo36Sw6a13a7zlnN4u9DHHa5F22hdSPEpj9tCoNLiuuAH5qXtMrBXY_1WDNChbidGMPSVvApBmtZEELGS_eWyodj9y2HFvxVds/s1600/IMG_3187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjBzznF1dAW8GdomhXSWbqY4kh4cCQwihjt9VdWm_vVo36Sw6a13a7zlnN4u9DHHa5F22hdSPEpj9tCoNLiuuAH5qXtMrBXY_1WDNChbidGMPSVvApBmtZEELGS_eWyodj9y2HFvxVds/s1600/IMG_3187.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locomotive 1606 "under the hood"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Meanwhile, inside the shop itself, two passenger cars are receiving much needed work. At the south-end, <i>Great Republic</i> is receiving a restroom upgrade and some steelwork, while in the north bay, the Open Car (<i>Riverview</i>) is receiving extensive repairs and upgrading. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKHbXeN5sk3xThXqHkewbrg8xVO3aEX6vxzeCRlq-I1dpo6xdjbUHoeiQ8K7KGGaa1_hbOl6HVIm4Ivwa9AxYD5jLAoJbPFam7MU7l2yPWSUai1f6AE3g-DuqyJjNo5f58cCsDUKLFdo/s1600/IMG_3183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKHbXeN5sk3xThXqHkewbrg8xVO3aEX6vxzeCRlq-I1dpo6xdjbUHoeiQ8K7KGGaa1_hbOl6HVIm4Ivwa9AxYD5jLAoJbPFam7MU7l2yPWSUai1f6AE3g-DuqyJjNo5f58cCsDUKLFdo/s1600/IMG_3183.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Riverview</i> Upgrades and Renovation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once space opens-up, Coach 603 will be in for major restoration work and <i>Dacosta</i> will be back in to receive its generator, power control systems and air conditioning. All of our space in the shop facility will be fully in use throughout the winter months, as we fulfill our mission to maintain and restore historic railroad equipment. <br />
<br />
<i>Much thanks to Bob Wuchert and "The Smokestack" for a thorough update of what's happening behind the scenes!</i>Judehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13905265861328249554noreply@blogger.com0