Comments
Big grin on my face as I read all this. CONGRATS to all those whose hard work made this beast run!
#1 Tom Mealer on 2014-05-25 18:12
Congratulations on the success of the Steam Team on sucessfully returning 1630 to an operational status. They should be recognized for the many hours of hard work put in on getting this engine running. I hoe that you are rewarded with many days of up eventful operation of the engine over the coming years.
#2 Kirk Warner on 2014-05-25 19:56
Congrats and many thanks to all the volunteers! Hope to visit in the next few weeks.
#3 Rob Fox on 2014-05-25 20:53
Myself and my family (wife, 7 year old daughter, 10 year old son) thoroughly enjoyed the results on Sunday! Thank you all so very much for the extreme efforts you've put forth!
#4 Steve Krause on 2014-05-25 21:39
Congratulations, Nigel and the entire dedicated steam team. My own contribution to the effort was really too small to mention. Okay, you said 938 won't be the next in steam, but is the plan to steam it eventually, or is it just a cosmetic restoration?
#5 David S on 2014-05-26 10:07
Educate me on the following. Why does it take so long to get the 1630 out to the main line for service? It is usually 2PM or later before the 1630 is ready to pull the coaches. I am asking these questions to get educated with your answers. Not all of us know what goes into getting a steam locomotive ready for service. Your information to answer my questions will be greatly appreciated.
#6 Wally Unglaub on 2014-05-26 11:37
Something we will have to work on!. Please recognize that this is the first running in 10 years so there is some experimentation. Previously we staged over by the water and coal supply and so could take coal and water while we were lighting up. Because everything will have to move when building of the new line by the water supply starts in a couple of months and conflicts during the Thomas event we have been experimenting with staging over by the steam shop. This means moving over to take coal and water. This is currently taking too long, particularly for water so we will have to investigate and reconsider how this is done going forward. Nigel
#6.1 Nigel Bennett on 2014-05-26 14:57
I like to send a super sized job well done to all involved on the restoration of 1630.I was there on Sunday with my girlfriend to see 1630 in action and we thoroughly enjoyed it.Once again,to all who worked on 1630 you are to Commended.
#6.1.1 Alan J.Sklenar on 2014-05-27 08:43
Went today and I rode her! AMAZING! I can't thank everyone enough for making my dream of seeing 1630 run again come true! I was 8 when I saw her do a photo freight train in '04. She looked great! today, she looks MUCH better than she did 10 years ago! I like how the box was painted gray, it looks REALLY nice with the black boiler jacket! may she run for many more years! I am hoping I'll get to see her again this summer as she is my FAVORITE locomotive at IRM!
#7 jack on 2014-05-26 15:27
Nigel, Thanks so much for the explanation. We are all glad to see #1630 back in service. The steam department did a great job.
#8 Wally Unglaub on 2014-05-26 22:49
Congratulations to the Steam Team for returning 1630 to service! I realize that total focus has been on that project, but what can you tell us about the other locomotives in the shop, UP428 and J. Neils 5? And what is being done with the 938 now that it is in the shop? Will it be another long-term rebuild to return it to operation, or more of a cosmetic restoration for display in one of the barns? Thanks in advance for any info on these projects.
#9 Mike Gorecki on 2014-05-27 18:23
Congratulations to the ALL the crew! for their hard work and determination to bring the #1630 to operation, and to the great history of operating steam locomotives.
#10 Don O'Barski on 2014-06-12 22:23
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