Christmas Train

[Southern Unionist]

how big a radius were the turns.

Maybe Drew has noticed this, in his visits.

Whatever the numbers, whatever the speed, they would have experienced significant wear on the inside edge of outside rails, unless they made extensive use of flange oilers, which you almost never see on low budget branch lines. At low speeds, leading guide wheels do more for the track than they do for the locomotive.

 

[captaindrew]

I can't tell you an exact radius they can turn but it's pretty tight. The 0-4-4 configuration on these locos is really more like 0-4-0, the rear 4 are supporting the tender wish is attached on the same frame.

 

[Southern Unionist]

The 0-4-4 configuration on these locos is really more like 0-4-0, the rear 4 are supporting the tender which is attached on the same frame.

That's probably what the designers were thinking, but it's not going to work that way as long as it's all on the same rigid frame.

Not everybody who ever designed a steam locomotive was a mechanical genius. The museum in Strasburg, PA contains several mediocre and failed design ideas from the early days. They all did the best they could, but there was a learning curve. Eventually, the front guide wheel debate was laid to rest, after we developed a national consensus.

 

[Southern Unionist]

Spencer, NC:

Don't get too excited; the 542 isn't what they use to pull their wildly popular Polar Express. This 2-8-0 restoration is only cosmetic.

 

[Jimklag]

Spencer, NC:

View attachment 171108

Don't get too excited; the 542 isn't what they use to pull their wildly popular Polar Express. This 2-8-0 restoration is only cosmetic.

Still a great picture, Douglas. And I am excited!

 

[Southern Unionist]

Tasteful decorations up front:

Off in the distance, you can see some former VRE commuter coaches borrowed to create a second section for the sold out kiddie / Santa train.

 

[Jimklag]

Simple and tasteful.

 

[captaindrew]

One last train visit on this trip. Back to Maine and another 2 footer for their Victorian Christmas event. The Wiscasset Waterville and Farmington Railway. I've posted some stuff on this operation on a visit back in Fall in the Camp Fire Chat so sorry if I'm repeating anything. The operation runs on some of it's original right of way from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Today's train was pulled by locomotive #9 built by the Portland Company, Portland Maine in 1891. They have another locomotive #10 built by the Vulcan Iron Works which is currently undergoing an overhaul. They are also building a new locomotive from scratch original blue prints which will be #11. They have a terrific website if you want to learn more about the Maine 2 footers, wwfry.org.

 

[captaindrew]

 

[LoriAnn]

I'm trying to pick a favorite photo, and I can't. I'm stuck between the second one and the last one! And that's after staring at them for several minutes.

 

[captaindrew]

Santa was waiting for the kids at the end of the line while they ran the engine around for the return. here's my niece putting a good word in for me, he assured me I still had time to get on the nice list. And one more at the station at the end of the day.

 

[LoriAnn]

here's my niece putting a good word in for me,

What a good girl! (And she's adorable.)

...he assured me I still had time to get on the nice list.

Santa is quite the optimist.

 

[Eleanor Rose]

Now that's what I call a Polar Express @captaindrew! These photos are wonderful. If they don't get a person in the holiday spirit, I'm not sure what else will. I mean you even have a pic of Santa!

 

[captaindrew]

Now that's what I call a Polar Express @captaindrew! These photos are wonderful. If they don't get a person in the holiday spirit, I'm not sure what else will. I mean you even have a pic of Santa!

Thanks, it sure does look like Christmas around here this year.

 

[Eleanor Rose]

Thanks, it sure does look like Christmas around here this year.

Will it be hard to go back to Florida or will you be glad to escape the winter weather?

 

[Southern Unionist]

...

These are the best snow train pictures I've seen in a long time.

 

[captaindrew]

Will it be hard to go back to Florida or will you be glad to escape the winter weather?

Very hard, actually planning to move north soon. Been in Florida almost 30 years and that's enough. The older I get the more I miss the seasons and being close to so much history and close to the family. I went to Florida when I was 18 to work a winter season and haven't come home yet.

 

[captaindrew]

These are the best snow train pictures I've seen in a long time.

Thanks, the Snow Miser has definatly cooperated this year. Getting some more snow Christmas morning.

 

[Jimklag]

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Wow! More fabulous photos, Drew.

 

[captaindrew]

Wow! More fabulous photos, Drew.

Thanks Jim