Anyone heard about the 1309 lately? I checked the WMSR Foundation website but it didn't say anything specific.
If anyone knows something concrete please chime in 
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Updates are often posted on WMSR/WMSR FOundation Facebook pages. Obviously it is a slow process but they are committed to it pulling the train on opening day 2016. Last update shows the superheaters, etc being pulled out.
A recent press release stated they had received a $10k grant to be used to restore/rebuild air compressor number 1. That's a great reminder that these restorations aren't cheap; for a device that provides such personality to a standing steam locomotive and that many steam fans take for granted.
This leads to a question. 1309 has two compressors (common for freight hogs because of long trains). Would it be a requirement, perhaps FRA, for 1309 to have both compressors operating, even if both aren't needed for the short trains it will operate at WMSR?
A recent post on FB said they had one employee working on it full time with others working on it as time allows. Not a lot, but more than many other restoration efforts. They also said as the season slowed down, that more the crew would be working on 1309.
Bob
The way I understand it, if they want to run steam at all in 2016(734 due her 15 year inspection) they will have to get 1309 done sometime in 2016.
Will be interesting to watch for sure.
Originally Posted by bbunge:
This leads to a question. 1309 has two compressors (common for freight hogs because of long trains). Would it be a requirement, perhaps FRA, for 1309 to have both compressors operating, even if both aren't needed for the short trains it will operate at WMSR?
Bob
Per FRA regulations, it it is on the locomotive, then it must be functional. Thus, unless they remove one of the compressors, which is highly unlikely, then both will be functional.
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
Originally Posted by bbunge:
This leads to a question. 1309 has two compressors (common for freight hogs because of long trains). Would it be a requirement, perhaps FRA, for 1309 to have both compressors operating, even if both aren't needed for the short trains it will operate at WMSR?
Bob
Per FRA regulations, it it is on the locomotive, then it must be functional. Thus, unless they remove one of the compressors, which is highly unlikely, then both will be functional.
Thats understood, but will they have to have both of them OPERATING since obviously one compressor would be enough to supply the whole train? The difference being operationable and not in use VS. not functional.
I cant wait to see her under steam. In the meantime I plan to make the trip to see the 734 next summer while I can.
Originally Posted by steam fan:
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
Originally Posted by bbunge:
This leads to a question. 1309 has two compressors (common for freight hogs because of long trains). Would it be a requirement, perhaps FRA, for 1309 to have both compressors operating, even if both aren't needed for the short trains it will operate at WMSR?
Bob
Per FRA regulations, it it is on the locomotive, then it must be functional. Thus, unless they remove one of the compressors, which is highly unlikely, then both will be functional.
Thats understood, but will they have to have both of them OPERATING since obviously one compressor would be enough to supply the whole train? The difference being operationable and not in use VS. not functional.
Yes, they will have to have BOTH compressors operating, when coupled to their passenger train. For example, we many times only use one compressor on 4449 when making light engine moves but, we would NEVER even think about handling a train with only one compressor working. Remember how steep that grade is on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad also!
Forgive sidetrack but what's the plans for 734 after 1309 rebuild?
Originally Posted by superwarp1:
Forgive sidetrack but what's the plans for 734 after 1309 rebuild?
I seem to recall that 734 is needs her FRA mandated 15 year inspection, pretty soon.
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
Originally Posted by superwarp1:
Forgive sidetrack but what's the plans for 734 after 1309 rebuild?
I seem to recall that 734 is needs her FRA mandated 15 year inspection, pretty soon.
Yes, hence the reason for 1309 to be ready in 2016. I'm wondering if the inspection will go forward right away, be delayed for awhile, or not happen at all?
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
Originally Posted by steam fan:
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
Originally Posted by bbunge:
This leads to a question. 1309 has two compressors (common for freight hogs because of long trains). Would it be a requirement, perhaps FRA, for 1309 to have both compressors operating, even if both aren't needed for the short trains it will operate at WMSR?
Bob
Per FRA regulations, it it is on the locomotive, then it must be functional. Thus, unless they remove one of the compressors, which is highly unlikely, then both will be functional.
Thats understood, but will they have to have both of them OPERATING since obviously one compressor would be enough to supply the whole train? The difference being operationable and not in use VS. not functional.
Yes, they will have to have BOTH compressors operating, when coupled to their passenger train. For example, we many times only use one compressor on 4449 when making light engine moves but, we would NEVER even think about handling a train with only one compressor working. Remember how steep that grade is on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad also!
In this case I absolutely agree with Hot Water. There is no reason to not operate with redundant safety equipment when it is available. The only reason to not have a compressor in service would be if it failed enroute. Having operated steam on grades with only one compressor I can tell you there is a serious pucker factor about running out air if you have to cycle the brakes. There is just no reason not to have them both in service.
