An CNJ 0-6-0 doing 30 mph? No problem.

I had the pleasure of filming the 113 last year on the 18th. However at that time I only used my cruddy iPhone camera. I would've gone back this year but I need a new camera first. Any suggestions? Your videos look so professionally done. And considering 113 is heading off to Steamtown it will be a few years before I film it again anyways.

PennsyPride94 posted:

Hi everyone!

 

As a discussion point, what are your favorite memories of a steam locomotive going track speed? I'm sure many of you have some great stories!

Thanks for looking!

Merry Christmas!

Very nice, especially the video!

My first, and ever lasting, memory of steam "at speed" was the Reading Crusader passing through Cranford, N.J. on the four track CNJ main line, in about 1945/1946. Streamlined Pacific at about 90 MPH, with that beautiful stainless steel, streamlined passenger consist with the rounded observation car at each end.

RaritanRiverRailroadFan4 posted:

I had the pleasure of filming the 113 last year on the 18th. However at that time I only used my cruddy iPhone camera. I would've gone back this year but I need a new camera first. Any suggestions? Your videos look so professionally done. And considering 113 is heading off to Steamtown it will be a few years before I film it again anyways.

Joe, 

I actually use my cell phone for my videos. Its a Samsung S6 edge plus. Its a very expensive phone with a superb video and still camera. The video camera takes 4K video and has stereo sound which is why I use it. If you do not wish to use your cellphone or shoot in 4K you can get a nice 1080p full HD camcorder for about 200-300 bucks. It should serve you well, because even though 4K is much better in terms of picture quality, 1080p is still the most common HD format. 

The 113 will be moving the Steamtown soon, but she'll be back very quickly. They are doing work on all of her wheels and bushings. So the next time you see her run you won't hear those rods anymore (shouldn't hypothetically)! 

Hot Water posted:

PennsyPride94 posted:

Hi everyone!

 

As a discussion point, what are your favorite memories of a steam locomotive going track speed? I'm sure many of you have some great stories!

Thanks for looking!

Merry Christmas!

Very nice, especially the video!

My first, and ever lasting, memory of steam "at speed" was the Reading Crusader passing through Cranford, N.J. on the four track CNJ main line, in about 1945/1946. Streamlined Pacific at about 90 MPH, with that beautiful stainless steel, streamlined passenger consist with the rounded observation car at each end.

Thanks Jack! Coming from you I'm humbled! 

I bet witnessing that gorgeous Reading Crusader was quite the first impression! She was a gorgeous streamliner and I'm guessing it got you hooked with the "steam bug" for life? 

Here's a little video from August 2015 in Lancaster NY with Rich Melvin at the throttle.

Nice photos and video of the 0-8-0!

Great photos and video. I'm a sucker for switchers and this looks like a huge 0-6-0. CNJ isn't really my interest but I'd really like to see this engine one day.

Steam at speed: For me, my usual steam experience is an 0-4-0T or 0-6-0T putzing along at 10mph. Maybe a rare trip to Strasburg to see 20-30MPH action. Fun and great to see but nothing like a big engine moving fast! Seeing the 765 rocket through Huntingdon, PA in May 2013 with the Horseshoe Curve excursion was incredible. Never seen anything like that before. Just amazing. Still lost for words 3.5 years later!

Since then, I've had the pleasure of seeing the 765 and riding it of course but the 611 out of Manassas twice in 2015 and 2016 as well. Those massive roller bearing rods moving at 40+ MPH is equally amazing.

REALLY nice photos and video, Mike!

Beautifully restored locomotive, haunting whistle, and particularly loved the sequence where #113 is crossing the bridge!     How is it that a Jersey Central 0-6-0 escaped the cutting torch?

Thanks fellas! 

Mark, the 113 to my knowledge switched many hands before ending up with the Project 113 group in Minersville. Considering how she used to look, it is quite a feat that the group restored her and did so outside without any cover. For more information go to their website: http://www.rrproject113.org/ and donate too! Every cent helps! 

Great video! The #113 looks beautiful with the boiler jacketing on.

Great work all round by the 113 crew, and great shots. That pacing sequence was a flashback for me, pacing steamers close up many years ago with my uncle driving the car. 

Ahhhh, sold to an industrial outfit in 1953!

RaritanRiverRailroadFan4 posted:

I had the pleasure of filming the 113 last year on the 18th. However at that time I only used my cruddy iPhone camera. I would've gone back this year but I need a new camera first. Any suggestions? Your videos look so professionally done. And considering 113 is heading off to Steamtown it will be a few years before I film it again anyways.

Wait, she is going to Steamtown? I must have missed that news. Any further information available on the move?

Beautiful whistle.  Brings back memories.

Fabulous video footage!!!  Well done!  I love the 113's whistle!

J 611 posted:

RaritanRiverRailroadFan4 posted:

I had the pleasure of filming the 113 last year on the 18th. However at that time I only used my cruddy iPhone camera. I would've gone back this year but I need a new camera first. Any suggestions? Your videos look so professionally done. And considering 113 is heading off to Steamtown it will be a few years before I film it again anyways.

Wait, she is going to Steamtown? I must have missed that news. Any further information available on the move?

Yes, it was announced in the summer I believe that she'll be moving there for wheel, rods, and bushing work. I also believe the Project 113 people will be doing the work themselves with the assistance of the experienced Steamtown volunteers and employees. 

They have not announced any dates as to when her move will occur. I doubt they will announce when she will be moving up to Steamtown. The group wishes to keep the move "under raps" to avoid unnecessary attention for the hosting railroad (R&N) during her move. 

Great video and photos, Mike!  I always look forward to seeing your posts here on the Forum.

I really need to make a trip down to see #113 in person.  Besides being a huge CNJ fan, there's a good chance that my grandfather actually operated that locomotive during its original career on the CNJ!

He was a fireman/engineer based out of the Ashley (PA) Yards.  Here's a picture of him at the controls of sister 0-6-0 #107 taking on coal and water in the yard.

 I'm so glad that one of these little brutes not only survived the scrapper's torch, but is also fully operational today!

PennsyPride94 posted:

J 611 posted:

RaritanRiverRailroadFan4 posted:

I had the pleasure of filming the 113 last year on the 18th. However at that time I only used my cruddy iPhone camera. I would've gone back this year but I need a new camera first. Any suggestions? Your videos look so professionally done. And considering 113 is heading off to Steamtown it will be a few years before I film it again anyways.

Wait, she is going to Steamtown? I must have missed that news. Any further information available on the move?

Yes, it was announced in the summer I believe that she'll be moving there for wheel, rods, and bushing work. I also believe the Project 113 people will be doing the work themselves with the assistance of the experienced Steamtown volunteers and employees. 

They have not announced any dates as to when her move will occur. I doubt they will announce when she will be moving up to Steamtown. The group wishes to keep the move "under raps" to avoid unnecessary attention for the hosting railroad (R&N) during her move. 

With any luck you and other railfans will catch the move!

CNJ #1601 posted:

Great video and photos, Mike!  I always look forward to seeing your posts here on the Forum.

I really need to make a trip down to see #113 in person.  Besides being a huge CNJ fan, there's a good chance that my grandfather actually operated that locomotive during its original career on the CNJ!

He was a fireman/engineer based out of the Ashley (PA) Yards.  Here's a picture of him at the controls of sister 0-6-0 #107 taking on coal and water in the yard.

 I'm so glad that one of these little brutes not only survived the scrapper's torch, but is also fully operational today!

As I can recall the 113 worked mainly out of Jersey City in the CNJ's coal yard there. But hey anythings possible. 

One of my favorite steam engines, and a brute of an 0-6-0.  I am hoping that she can stick around at SNHS for a while after her shop work is finished.  Can't imagine how good she'd sound working the grade out of the valley.  

Montclaire posted:

One of my favorite steam engines, and a brute of an 0-6-0.  I am hoping that she can stick around at SNHS for a while after her shop work is finished.  Can't imagine how good she'd sound working the grade out of the valley.  

I can't imagine how good she'd look with 1554 and those CNJ coaches. 

Does #113 burn anthracite?  Noting  a pretty wide firebox overhanging the last drivers - - - and the Jersey Central ran in the heart of anthracite country + CRRNJ retained camelbacks to the end, which were created to burn anthracite.

She burns a blend of A+B, I believe.  

mark s posted:

Does #113 burn anthracite?  Noting  a pretty wide firebox overhanging the last drivers - - - and the Jersey Central ran in the heart of anthracite country + CRRNJ retained camelbacks to the end, which were created to burn anthracite.

Actually, it is a mixture of anthracite and bituminous. When the folks with the 113 first began running, they must have assumed that CNJ locomotives burned all anthracite, but they quickly learned that they could NOT maintain working steam pressure when the 113 was operating/working. They quickly learned to research just what coal mixture the Reading, CNJ, and DL&W, for some examples, actually burned in service.

Without a pony/engine truck, I would guess this locomotive rides very rough in the cab?  Switchers rarely operated at 30 mph?

Thanks in advance for any information.

Hot Water posted:

mark s posted:

Does #113 burn anthracite?  Noting  a pretty wide firebox overhanging the last drivers - - - and the Jersey Central ran in the heart of anthracite country + CRRNJ retained camelbacks to the end, which were created to burn anthracite.

Actually, it is a mixture of anthracite and bituminous. When the folks with the 113 first began running, they must have assumed that CNJ locomotives burned all anthracite, but they quickly learned that they could NOT maintain working steam pressure when the 113 was operating/working. They quickly learned to research just what coal mixture the Reading, CNJ, and DL&W, for some examples, actually burned in service.

You are correct Jack! To be specific, according to the crew, she now burns an 80% bituminous (Pocahontas coal) 20% anthracite mix. They played around for a while looking for the best mixture and seem to have found it with this one. 

Standard Gauge posted:

Without a pony/engine truck, I would guess this locomotive rides very rough in the cab?  Switchers rarely operated at 30 mph?

Thanks in advance for any information.

She rides slightly rough going forward, but on the welded track through Haven she is actually pretty smooth and that's why they are able to go track speed. 

The only time they worry about speed is going backwards to Schuylkill Haven on the first leg of the trip when the GP30 leads the train. They keep the speed to below 20 mph otherwise the crew in the cab will really get thrown around. 

CNJ #1601 posted:

Great video and photos, Mike!  I always look forward to seeing your posts here on the Forum.

I really need to make a trip down to see #113 in person.  Besides being a huge CNJ fan, there's a good chance that my grandfather actually operated that locomotive during its original career on the CNJ!

He was a fireman/engineer based out of the Ashley (PA) Yards.  Here's a picture of him at the controls of sister 0-6-0 #107 taking on coal and water in the yard.

 I'm so glad that one of these little brutes not only survived the scrapper's torch, but is also fully operational today!

Hi Joe!

Thanks for the kind words! I always enjoy sharing it with my fellow railfans!

That's a neat history you have there with your grandfather and it is very likely he did operate the 113 indeed. She was one of the largest 0-6-0s ever built. 

Definitely try to get out to Minersville PA for either their Easter trips or Christmas trips. It is quite a show to see her roar by. I bet if you get some time to talk to the crew and tell them your story they'll give you a tour of the locomotive. They are great people. 

Nice video. Love the whistle. Reminded me of one on one of the EBT locomotives, the guy back then told me it was a three chime Baldwin. Plus...that is one stout "little" 0-6-0's!

Ed

Thanks Ed! 

The whistle is a replica CNJ 3-chime made by one of the volunteers with the Project 113 group. 

Who owns the tracks from Taylor Yard to Steamtown? Doesn't NS own the CP line now through Scranton? Then 113 would have to use a few miles of NS. At least NS is still steam friendly for now with them hosting 611 again next year.

Wouldn't that be Delaware Lackawanna?

I can't imagine going 30 mph on an 0-6-0.  Having run Strasburg's Thomas locomotive during our Day Out With Thomas events the last couple years, I always feel like I worked out at a gym all day when I go home, mainly from getting bounced around in the cab. Also, that's going at only at about 5 mph.  Of course there aren't seats in that cab which could be part of it.

Definitely neat to see that one restored.  Though ones in operational condition are becoming a bit more numerous now, it seems like most restoration groups think "big" when there are a lot of little engines out there that would be ideal for small operations.

RaritanRiverRailroadFan4 posted:

Wouldn't that be Delaware Lackawanna?

Could be either actually.  The mainline through Taylor Yard that heads north to the "Y" at Steamtown's Bridge 60 is now NS (former CP, D&H).  The Delaware-Lackawanna does have trackage rights over this line and uses it for interchanging with NS at Taylor.

The D-L's own line from Scranton/Steamtown (through south Scranton) comes into Taylor Yard at the south end, and would also be an alternative route...just not as easy/direct into Steamtown as the NS route to the Bridge 60 "Y".

SantaFe158 posted:

I can't imagine going 30 mph on an 0-6-0.  Having run Strasburg's Thomas locomotive during our Day Out With Thomas events the last couple years, I always feel like I worked out at a gym all day when I go home, mainly from getting bounced around in the cab. Also, that's going at only at about 5 mph.  Of course there aren't seats in that cab which could be part of it.

Definitely neat to see that one restored.  Though ones in operational condition are becoming a bit more numerous now, it seems like most restoration groups think "big" when there are a lot of little engines out there that would be ideal for small operations.

Jake she is sure a sight to see roaring down the tracks! I think the clip at 4:25 in my video speaks directly to that. 

From talking to the crew she is actually pretty smooth going forward especially on the welded rail through Schuylkill Haven. Where she gets really bumpy is when they start pushing through the yard at 10 mph on jointed rail or are getting dragged backwards on the first leg of the trip. 

CNJ 113 will be operating this Sunday, 12/3 for Santa trains out of Minersville. More info at www.rrproject113.org 

Apparently the CNJ #113 did NOT go to Steam Town?

Hot Water posted:

Apparently the CNJ #113 did NOT go to Steam Town?

The details of a complicated move involving 3 railroads couldn't be worked out in time to do it last year. It may still happen in the future but there are no definite plans at this time. 

And to further stress the importance of this event, this is the ONLY steam powered Santa train the Reading & Northern is doing this year. All other Santa trains will be pulled by a diesel. 

So, if you aren't doing much on December 3rd, buy a ticket and support the Project 113 group.