Along with our pal, Owen W, I wish all on OGR a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all other holidays being celebrated around the Earth.
Midweek Photos brings you images of the real world of railroading, in all its forms, even blotters, used as a way of dabbing excess ink off a fountain pen tip which railroads used as a promotional item. Please share some of your images here.
In preparation for Winter locomotive shop work at Steamtown, Boston & Maine 4-6-2, currently a huge 0-6-0, was moved one track over so the long hood can be removed from GP9 number 514. This is the first time in about a decade that 3713 has been in so "open" an area. Previous photos show walkways on either side of her. Now we are reminded of how large she truly is.
Situated a few tracks over is Baldwin Locomotive Works 0-6-0 number 26. All of her tests have been completed, and she will be prepared with final details such as boiler jacketing, steam dome cover and engineer/fireman seats to name a few. Expect her running in the Spring of 2015.
"I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille." Not quite yet. Headlight is still missing, and a little makeup on her smokebox will help. Footboards and piston caps, too.
Yesterday, I took a drive into the area we call the "Back Mountain". Part of the road follows the Bowman Creek branch of the Lehigh Valley RR. I know very little about the line, but this station in Noxen, PA has bee preserved. When I saw it 20+years ago, it was in shambles. But it is very presentable today, if kind of hidden away.
As I was leaving the area of the station, I noticed this wintery view. It was a misty rain, which brought fog up from the creek and in through the trees.
Have a very Merry Christmas to those who observe. I hope Hannukah was wonderful, and that as Kwanzaa begins we all find peace and contentment. See you next week for the Year in Review!
