Railfan

Heading to Essex, Montana!

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:59:13 +0000

Hello to all Railfans,

My name is Rich. I live in Santa Cruz, Ca, and I'll be heading on up to Essex, Montana, this October, for some Marias Pass railfanning fun. First time ever!

I'll be chasing after a very old dream of mine with nothing more than a rental car, some fast food, a few coffee stained road maps, and my camera.

Do you remember firing up MSTS for the first time? You were perhaps sitting in a GP38 at West Coram Siding of the Marias Pass, while snow was falling? :-) Well, I remember, and after all these years, Im going to finally stand on those very tracks for real! Hopefully, it wont be snowing ;-)

I'll be meeting up with a couple of other railfanners that are coming all the way from Germany, and we'll be hanging out at the Izaak Walton Inn for a couple of days. Here's the Inn ...

Nice front yard, eh? Waking up to a few BNSF AC4400's should be a great way to start the day!

I'm also planning on stopping along parts of the Donner Pass, and the Feather River Canyon routes as I head North East~ish.

Im posting this here, because Id like to share my pics with you along the way, and hope to hear from those who have gone to these places before, and maybe could offer their advice, or perhaps suggest Rail~Only places of interest that I shouldnt (or maybe should) miss. Its all pretty new to me to do this, but come October, Im gonna light the fuse, aim the car North, and see what happens. My wife is very patient with my foolishness ;-)

I hope to hear from you! Back soon. ~Rich
...Oh. I forgot to add that I will be driving through lower Idaho on my way to Montana, so if you know of anything cool (rail-wise) sites there, I'd love to hear about it.

Bad news for the Cumbres Toltec

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:39:38 +0000

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_15368726

MILW 261 Back on Track?

Tue, 11 May 2010 03:20:06 +0000

As of May 8th 2010, and it being National Train Day; it couldnt get any better then this but Milwaukee Road 261 is owned by Steve Sandberg and the Friends of the 261! its official that the deal has gone threw and was anounced today! Here by declaring that the 261 will ride the rails once again as one of Americas most Loved steam locomotives! Thanks again for everyones support in helping to keep Steam on the Mainlines.

Port of NYC

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:49:19 +0000

Found this web site today while looking for something completely different. Spent a bit of time here and quickly concluded this is a site that deserves much more time: http://www.freightrrofnyc.info/ It's mostly about rail to barge operations in New York City, maps, photos, historical articles. Very interesting stuff. These places must have been amazing in WWII.

Must see Videos

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:25:29 +0000

First one is a great look at what railroading was like in the 1940s on the N&W

another promo film by NYC about the steam locomotive

Lots more there for the 1940s on related pages

Enjoy
chrisvw

Train Festival 2010?

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 03:20:34 +0000

I couldn't make it to Train Festival 2009 at The Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. I was wondering if anyone knows if there will be another one this year, or anything like it? I would really like to attend an event similiar to that. Also, will there ever be another Railfest, like in the late 90s in Sacramento? My guess is no, but what do I know? You guys seem to be "in the know" as far as this stuff goes.
Thank you,
Sam

SANDPATCH WRECK

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:13:23 +0000

Link to article on CSX wreck:

http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2010/02/06/news/local/news252.txt

1935 Chevy Safety film

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:55:02 +0000

You must check out this 1935 Chevy safety film. Excellent steam action shots from across the country.

chrisvw

Carolina & Northwestern

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:25:02 +0000

Where was the Northwestern tip of the Carolina & Northwestern railroad? I'm local by the way (hint-hint)

What was Linville River #28?

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:27:32 +0000

What was Linville River #28? A Mogul 2-6-0 or a Ten-Wheeler 4-6-0?

Yreka Western now on Facebook

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:45:10 +0000

The Yreka Western's Blue Goose excursion train now has an official facebook page. We are trying to get things going again after not running last season and we are hoping to get things going again for the 2010 season. So if you have a facebook page please add us and help support the Yreka Western. We will using the page to keep everyone updated on our progress and any news that will come up.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yreka-CA/Yreka-Western-Railroads-Blue-Goose-Excursion-Train/370412530499?ref=nf

Intermodals on the FRC Soon to be no More

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:36:07 +0000

After months of upgrades to the signals, tunnels and track between Roseville and Sparks, Donner Pass will assume the role of being the primary route for all intermodal trains that currently traverse the Feather River. Union Pacific plans to start operating all stack trains from Oakland California to points east over Donner Pass by Thanksgiving.
I would suggest if you classify yourself as a foamer, wheel licker or rail entusiast to get your butts to the FRC this week to get your pictures and videos.

Here is a link to a well made YouTube vid on the subject.
FRC Stacks

The Silverton

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:45:25 +0000

I don't know if anyone has heard "The Silverton" by CW McCall.

I found this song while on youtube watching videos of the Durango and Silverton Railroad. Thought it was a catchy song.
THE SILVERTON

Train tattoo

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:28:11 +0000

Just something out of the ordinary. Its still a work in progress, about 10 hours of work to finish unless I have anything added to it. Just thought someone would enjoy to see a steam locomotive tattoo

History channel

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:53:18 +0000

To all who are interested there is a very interesting show about the canadian pacific railroad on the history channel this week. Check local listings. Next week looks like they will be covering early 1900's steam trains. The show is called trains unlimited.

C&O Thurmond, WV

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:10:17 +0000

Hi All:

I would like to learn more about the C&O in and around Thurmond, West Virginia. Perferably during the 60's... but any information would be welcomed.

Would love to see maps, track charts, profiles, links to info, or any other information that can be shared.

It would be very much appreciated.

Thanks.

UP #844 on Western States Tour

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:00:16 +0000

Here is a link to the official website. There is supposed to be a GPS locator on a map showing the current location. It will arrive in Sparks, Nv today and be on display tomorrow... guess I better charge up my camera....

UP #844 Official Page

Train Derailment in Nevada to Disrupt Rail Service

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:01:39 +0000

Train derailment in Nevada to disrupt rail service (from the Salt Lake Tribune)
By Martin Griffith
The Associated Press
Posted: 12/27/2008 10:03:00 PM MST
RENO, Nev. � A freight train derailed in northern Nevada, triggering a bridge collapse and major disruptions in rail service on one of the country's main east-west lines, Union Pacific officials said.
The derailment occurred Saturday morning in a remote area along the Humboldt River about 10 miles west of Carlin and 260 miles east of Reno, UP spokeswoman Zoe Richmond said.
She said 13 cars containing grain were involved in the derailment and she was unsure how many cars the westbound locomotives were hauling. No injuries were reported.
The 102-year-old bridge spanning the river collapsed a couple of hours after the derailment, Richmond said, and railroad officials are unsure how long it'll take to restore it.
"We have crews looking at how to clear the mess," Richmond said. "Any derailment is tough, but we knew this one would be a bit tougher because it involved both a bridge and a derailment."
The line across northern Nevada connects Oakland, Calif., and Salt Lake City as well as other points east.
With the line shut down, UP's closest alternate east-west lines are located well to the north and south, with one going through Portland, Ore., and the other passing through Las Vegas.
"Definitely, it's going to cause major disruptions in rail service," Richmond said. "The other lines are not desirable because they take a lot longer" and involve greater expense.
Amtrak uses the same line, but it was not immediately clear the impact the bridge collapse would have on its California Zephyr service, a spokeswoman said.
UP officials hope to come up with a plan by Monday on how to deal with the bridge.
"We once fixed another bridge in about a week, and we should know in the next couple of days how long it's going to take to get this bridge up and running," Richmond said.
The locomotives had passed through an 875-foot tunnel when the derailment occurred. Three cars derailed inside the tunnel and at least a couple of cars ended up in the river, Richmond said.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation by UP experts.
Among other things, investigators will examine a "black box" that recorded the engineer's actions. Most UP locomotives also are mounted with a camera.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been told that it will be out of service for at least a month. But then again that is whatr they said about the bridge here that burned a few years ago and it was fixed in a little over a week.

Union Pacific E-9

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 05:43:47 +0000

what kind of headlights does 951 have and how many candle power are they?

how much engine cooling water does 951 use?

how much lube oil does 951 use?

Nick

Looking for...

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:27:56 +0000

images of narrow gauge swamp operations in VA (Dismal Swamp RR / Richmond Cedar Works)

I have quite a bit now showing parked locomotives, but I lack in on the road shots, or images of the rolling stock and mill facility's.

If anyone has such images, please contact me through PM here. I plan on making a short article on the operations for Classic Trains in the near future, and would like all the info and images I can get.

Thanks

Casey Jones

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:25:58 +0000

Come all you rounders, for I want you to hear,
The story of a brave engineer.
Casey Jones was the rounder's name.
On a big eight wheeler of a mighty fame.

The caller called Casey 'bout half-past four.
He kissed his wife at the station door.
Climbed to the cab with orders in his hand.
He said, "This is my trip to the Promised Land."

Out of south Memphis yard on the fly,
Heard the fireman say, "You got a white eye."
Well, the switchman knew by the engine moan
That the man at the throttle was Casey Jones.

The rain was comin' down five or six weeks.
The railroad track was like the bed of a creek.
They slowed her down to a thirty mile gait,
And the south bound mail was eight hours late.

Fireman says, "Casey you're running too fast,
You run that signal the last station you passed."
Casey says, "I believe we'll make it though,
For she steams a lot better than I ever know."

Casey says, "Fireman, don't you fret,
Keep knocking at the fire door, don't give up yet."
"I'm going to run her till she leaves the rail,
Or make it on time with the south bound mail."

Around the curve and down the dump,
To locomotives was bound to bump.
Fireman hollered, "Casey, it's just ahead,
We might jump and make it or we'll all be dead."

Around the curve comes a passenger train,
Casey blows the whistle and he blows it again.
The fireman jumps and says, "Good-bye.
Casey Jones you're going to die."

Mrs. Casey Jones was a sittin' on the bed.
Telegram comes that Casey is dead.
She says, "Children, go to bed, and hush your cryin',
'cause you got another papa on the Frisco Line."

- Heard this the other day, Garrison Keillor reading "3 doz. poems" (an audio book)
Old Dave

K-37's

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:25:31 +0000

All K-37's were something else before they were K-37's. What were they before they were K-37's?

FEF-3

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:23:24 +0000

What does FEF-3 Mean? Ok maybe Bazza will get this one. i hope he notices it this time.

Riding The Rails

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:08:41 +0000

My Grandfather, who died in 1976, spent his entire life in the northern Alabama/Tennessee area. And like a lot of people in the 1930's, he rode the rails looking for work.

One story I remember him telling me was when he was returning home, riding in a empty coal car with about a dozen other fellas. The train slowed down at a junction near where he lived. He began to climb out when someone yelled something to him. He didn't understand what the person said so he climbed back in to find out. He thought maybe it was a warning. What the person had said was, "Good Luck!".

Well, by this time the train began to pick up speed again and it wasn't another twenty miles before the next junction and my Granddad was able to jump off. It was a long walk home.

-Old Dave

Narrowest Narrow Gauge

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:50:34 +0000

Can one of you narrow gauge enthusiasts name which railroad had the narrowest narrow gauge, and what it's gauge was?

Big Boy

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:13:48 +0000

How many wheels did the Big Boy's tender have?

Big Boy

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:08:16 +0000

For those U.P. Fanatics here is one for ya ! Exactly how long was the big boy without it's tender

hey Bazza Maybe you'll get this one.

White Pass 70 class mikados

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:05:29 +0000

I'm sure that everybody that is interested in the White pass and Yukon knows that #73 is still on the railway . But i don't think many of you know where 70,71,and72 are. try to guess and leave a response.

Union Pacific 3985 in You Tube recently added

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:36:21 +0000

Looks like Union Pacific's Challenger #3985 has been busy lately. There have been quite some additions in YouTube on videos just this past couple of weeks. It was attending that Rail Fest event in North Platte, Nebraska.

Here's the list of videos in You Tube that I found:

http://www.youtube.com/results?uploaded=m&...h_query=UP+3985

I also noticed on some of those runs UP #3985 was running unassisted by any diesel locomotive pulling those carriages.

A lot of news relating to US RRs

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:18:21 +0000

http://www.bullsheet.com/news/wire-z.html

More news there than you can shake fleas from a dog.

Cheers Bazza

Which City?

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:49:10 +0000

I got a trackmap over here. (Its not yet completely done).. but I wanna know If you guy's can find out from which (America) city this trackmap is:

Click on it for enlargement.. so you see all the details.

Blue = Electric railroad, Green passenger Platforms.

Well, good luck you all

When were section cars discontinued?

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:13:22 +0000

In old movies I've seen section cars in use, they are standard seat cars by day and upper and lower berths at night. Some foreign railroads still seem to use section cars. An example is the Russian trains have second class section cars available on the Transsiberian route.

Rich

Know where?

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:22:56 +0000

Ok, I shot these pictures about a month ago using an (older) digital camera. Can anyone tell me where these cars currently reside? Heres the pictures:

Unfortunately they put a chain link fence up, so that really ruined a lot of otherwise good shots.

Sam

An interesting BNSF unit....

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:01:03 +0000

I sighted a very interesting unit yesterday coupled in a set of three others(an SD40-2? and a SD70? I really don't know my deisels ), it was a cabless unit that appeared to be an old high nosed GP7 or GP9. It had an interesting number too, #333. Surprisingly low! Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me, so I'm really kicking myself! Has anyone else seen this unit? It was parked across from Boeing Field in Seattle.

Sam

Another SP Unit Sighted

Mon, 05 May 2008 04:36:33 +0000

Last night when I came through Oakland, there was another SP 6 axle that hadn't been patched. I had my camera at the ready, but was taking pictures from my side of buildings...unfortunately the engine was on the conductor's side. I do not recall all the numbers, but it was in the Oakland diesel shops... #85**