1309 to make test runs soon.

Hot Water posted:

J 611 posted:

UPDATE 1/9/2019 The WMSR just posted a video update stating that the 1309 would start making test runs within the next three months and that they hope to start running excursions this summer. The video was posted to their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/WMSRailroad/

Apparently Mr. Garner hasn't learned YET, to stop making such predictions!

Oh and did you notice he mentioned "Independence Day" again?

"Independence Day" was a good movie but still fiction.

I would guess they'd get this year under their belt operations wise and maybe worry about the turntable approach next year. But again, that is just a guess. 

The 1309 will run before 4014.

Also, the turntable just makes the trip more complete. For now, they can run 1309 up front and tie a diesel to the rear end, let it take the train back down the hill.

Ed

Before 4014?  Ed, we'll all be dead way before then!   

1361 will beat'm both.......

Steamer posted:

1361 will beat'm both.......

To where? The scrapyard? lol

Ed Mullan posted:

The 1309 will run before 4014.

Also, the turntable just makes the trip more complete. For now, they can run 1309 up front and tie a diesel to the rear end, let it take the train back down the hill.

Ed

Their reservation system has already been updated to reflect exactly that type of operation. Steam power will be used westbound and then use the diesel on the rear eastbound. 

Another question that remains is who will actually operate the locomotive. As far as I know the GM got rid of all of the steam qualified people on the railroad. 

Time for WMSR management to humble themselves and re-hire Kevin Rice.

Ed

Ed Mullan posted:

Time for WMSR management to humble themselves and re-hire Kevin Rice.

Ed

Right on Ed! 

Ed Mullan posted:

Time for WMSR management to humble themselves and re-hire Kevin Rice.

Ed

I'd second that motion. Kevin seemed like a great asset. He was also always super friendly when I visited the railroad in the past. 

This is exactly the type of operation a BL2 was built for....! (Hint, hint!)

Kelly Anderson posted:

Ed Mullan posted:

Time for WMSR management to humble themselves and re-hire Kevin Rice.

Ed

You mean Dan Pluta.

Wow, almost four years ago. 

Will there ever be that TRAINS fan trip?

Mr. Anderson, my reply pointing to Kevin Rice was in answer to J11, who asked is going to run 1309, and I think it should be Kevin. He was let go by the WMSR, but he still works on 1309, as a member of Gary Bensman's Diversified Rail Services.  There is no doubt in my mind he knows every part of that locomotive, and is quite capable of operating her.

I've been a fan of the WMSR for years, and I can say that Dan Pluta had a fine record of having 734 ready to go for her work. I think he helped keep the WMSR in the black at times when it was hard to do.

Ed

Ed, Guess we will have to wait and see what happens.

1309 to start revenue runs on 7/4/19:

https://www.times-news.com/new...b4-9185df9c0d84.html

1309 tickets are for sale, 7/5/19 at 3PM, by them if you dare:

https://public.whistletix.com/WMSR/Calendar

When did they figure this out?  (emphasis added)

"Although the 100-foot Baldwin No. 1309 is too large to be rotated on the turntable at Frostburg, it can push the train back to Cumberland"

Farmer_Bill posted:

When did they figure this out?  (emphasis added)

"Although the 100-foot Baldwin No. 1309 is too large to be rotated on the turntable at Frostburg, it can push the train back to Cumberland"

I thought that the folks at the WMSR already measured the length of the turntable vs. the length over the wheels of 1309, and determined that 1309 would indeed "fit on the turntable". Now, the bigger issue may have turned out to be; 1309 can't GET to the turntable! Imagine THAT!