C&O 1309 Restoration

Why didn't you check their facebook site? There is a 1309 update vid, just released last Thursday.
I have had several good experiences on the WMSR, but I'm slightly prejudiced since I grew up along the railroad lines that are used.

I was going to post this tomorrow, but since there is interest here we go.

When 1309 came to the Scenic, I got the impression, rightly or wrongly, that the locomotive, being only five and a half years old was in good shape, considering the time that had gone by since she had run.

That just is not true. I saw her for the first time since she came to the Scenic, just last week. Talked to Kevin Rice, and made some photos of her. As I walked around the loco, and Kevin pointed out what poor maintenance had done to the engine, that is such as bearings worn out, and even the bearing mount being worn (as an example).

I suppose since diesels were coming, nothing was done to this 2-6-6-2. Now then, in storage, an asbestos abatement was done to her, the "easy" way. Such as a torch being used when  a wrench would have been called for. That made a mess. But as folks involved with steam restoration have stated on this forum, nothing, but nothing will ruin a locomotive like sitting out in the weather. I was amazed when Kevin pointed out how rust had caused so much damage to this engine.

However, the restoration is going ahead, and progress, which takes some time considering the condition of the locomotive, is moving ahead. The tender is completely finished, and looking like brand new. The stoker motor is rebuild and ready for install. And the tender is not just patched up, Kevin and his troops has made it maybe better than new. Inside the tank a new two-part epoxy paint, and new metal wherever needed. The tender deck originally had two rain water drains, Keven installed two more, so no water rests on the deck. That is typical how the work is being done on the tender and the engine.

The cab looks good...until you walk up close, the roof is completely rotted trough. However, when I was there, I was told a new cab was ordered, and would arrive within a week, being build by a metal working outfit in Hagerstown. It too, will recive a coat of the two part epoxy, then the black paint, a volunteer who does wood work is going to do the inside of the new cab.

The drivers are done, with new tires, all at Strasburg. (spelling) I will let the following photos speak for the rest of this post, and with luck, I'll get to post some more in a few weeks. Good work is slow, though, and I did not ask anyone for a timeline. I will say one last thing..this is a big job..but as far as I can see, it's being done right!

Kevin is working hard, and in my opinion (for what is worth, never been around steam restoration before) doing a great job. When he's done, she should run well with only the required maintenance.

Can't wait to see her steam!

Ed

Thanks for posting. Looks like things are moving along. Does the #1309 have a one piece cast frame?

thanks for sharing.

PAUL ROMANO posted:

Thanks for posting. Looks like things are moving along. Does the #1309 have a one piece cast frame?

Since it is an articulated, it is two pieces, i.e. the front engine and the rear main frame.

Hot Water posted:

PAUL ROMANO posted:

Thanks for posting. Looks like things are moving along. Does the #1309 have a one piece cast frame?

Since it is an articulated, it is two pieces, i.e. the front engine and the rear main frame.

Thank you, I realize it is articulated. I should have said are each the frames cast as one piece. The reason I'm asking is because of the late date #1309 was built, 1949.  

The frames look cast to me, but I can't say if the cylinders were cast as well. I'd guess not, since the front cylinders are so large. I will look next time I get to go down there.

Ed

Ed Mullan posted:

The frames look cast to me, but I can't say if the cylinders were cast as well. I'd guess not, since the front cylinders are so large. I will look next time I get to go down there.

 

Ed

I appreciate it. Thank you Ed!

Two quick things:

1) The WMSR has posted a new 360 degree photo on their Facebook page of their shop and 1309. Don't know what progress has been made on the locomotive.

2) The county is moving ahead with fixing the second land slide on the railroad and expects the work to be done mid February.