Tom and myself were out today and knocked out another section of brush cutting on the mainline. My original plan to volunteer in the Library fell apart so Tom and I ran out to Book Creek Bridge and finished cutting the entire length of the curve including the area at and around the bridge which was, to say the least, an interesting experience. With a few hours of light left we ran to the far west end and began cutting eastbound. In this area only one side needing cutting so while Tom ran the south side I kept the machine stable by counterbalancing the north side. We cut the entire main from Jefferson St to west switch Schmidt, the UP interchange, Schmidt Siding and one pass East switch Schmidt to the West Station Switch. One more good day with some trimming on the mainline at Schmidt and between East and West Station switches, everything west of the big tree will be done. (~MP 1.6) I'd say we're about 1/3 of the way finished with the line.
In amazement, nothing failed or went wrong today... A few sprits of ether and she fired up, no hydraulic failures and no harm to hidden objects in the grass... This really is a terrific machine to have on hand.
We will continue to mow the line as much as possible. It's fair to say we'll have the entire line mowed before revenue trains begin in April. That's the goal anyway.
Adam Robillard
Comments
Sun, 07-27-2014 23:15
In looking at the general exterior condition of the Dynamometer Car you would think that it was a total wreck. It is wonderful that it is operational [...]
Fri, 07-25-2014 20:14
I had a blast riding in X-5000 on Sunday during Diesel Days. Brian was great to talk to. It was cool seeing the comntrol board work. I can't wait for [...]
Fri, 07-25-2014 16:47
Shane, Clean rain water is certainly possible. The snag is that you would need a BIG collection and storage system. We are using around 8000 [...]
Fri, 07-25-2014 16:42
John, Yes. Sadly the tender is in poor shape. She should go under cover as part of the new barn project. There will be much discussion around [...]
Thu, 07-24-2014 21:38
Hello Richard In reply to your question concerning RI 2702. The museum is studying the acquisition but no decision has been yet made.
Thu, 07-24-2014 21:29
Hello Chris The 2702 is under study by those interested at Irm. Unfortunately, the possible acquisition boils down to $. First ,who will support [...]
Thu, 07-24-2014 13:01
Hello, is there anyone that I can contact in the Diesel Department about volunteering? I am studying mechanical engineering and I would love to get [...]
Thu, 07-24-2014 00:01
I will commit something to 2702 if I see a specific fund for it. Supposedly the owners made an effort to keep it original, other than removing seats. [...]
Wed, 07-23-2014 19:54
Hi Nigel, I have some suggestions to enhance the experience of steam railroading for museum visitors: 1) In September 2002, I visited on the [...]
Wed, 07-23-2014 00:17
while watching the Diesel Days parade, i noticed a detail on UP 1848 that stood out to me. it was its cab number, i could tell it had a previous [...]
Mon, 07-21-2014 17:48
The hydraulic drawbar on X-5000 works. Its operation was determined Saturday evening and successfully used all day Sunday. The car measured up to a [...]
Sun, 07-20-2014 13:56
2702 would definitely be a project of a massive effort. It has some sort of giant roadside casino sign installed on it. The interior is completely [...]