Reading and Northern 425

Right now, 425 is the only long distance steam operation our state has. Steamtown's steam is all down for maintenance. Of course, the 765 operated long trips on Norfolk Southern in central PA in May, 2013, I was on one of them. I rode behind 425 again from Tunkhannock to Jim Thorpe in May, 2009. I had ridden behind 425 twice before, in June 1987 at Temple and July, 1992 from West Leesport to Jim Thorpe. Actually the only long distance steam operation anywhere in the eastern US outside of TVRM and NS. Think about it, NJ, NY, all of New England, Virginia, NC, SC, GA, FL, have little to no steam operations or short steam operations. MD has the WMSR and TN has the Knoxville steam train and TVRM. New England basically has Essex Steam Train in CT and Conway Scenic in NH and they will be an all diesel operation when 7470 goes down for rebuild soon. You can ride behind 425 at the end of this month and in Dec. from Minersville, Pottsville, Tamaqua and Schuylkill Haven. Short trips suitable for families.

No. 425 will doublehead with Jersey Central 0-6-0 No. 113 on Santa Claus Specials between Minersville and Cressona on Saturday, November 29.

 

 

Yes, 425 and 113 are working together on November 29th and December 14, pulling Santa trains out of Minersville. I'm being careful not to use the phrase double heading, as I was told last weekend that the 113 group doesn't know if it will be a double head or a push-pull (which is what I am hoping for!)

 

 

Has the "owner" of the CNJ #113 finally figured out that they can NOT burn 100% Anthracite Coal in her yet? 

I think they are using a blend, but I'm sure we'll find out in 2 weeks.

They haven't in the past, so I sure hope they do a "historically prototypical" blend, like 75/25% or 80/20%, bituminous to anthracite. That 113 is difficult enough what with no insulation & jacketing on the boiler.

I know they had issues last year, but I don't think they had any coal problems since then (though they haven't done excursions since then either, but it traveled since then)

 

As for the jacketing, I keep hearing that they will do that soon...but those dates keep passing.

Regarding the 113: I'm not up on the history, design, or anything else about this engine.  So a couple of questions, and maybe more later. What is the issue with burning anthracite in her? And what is the story with the lack of jacketing and insulation?

 

Thanks,

 

Chris

LVHR

Last year they tried running strait anthracite in her, and it burned so poorly that they had to be cut off half way through the second trip with 425. People were running through the woods getting wood for it too burn. It was put back on for the second part of the third trip, and she got home at about 50psi, which is getting dangerous.

 

As for the jacketing, I've heard that they just haven't gotten there, and I've also heard that some members of the group like it this way. I can't say for sure though

 

It does not surprise me that the 113 has steaming problems. The heat loss from the lack of jacketing and lagging is staggering! To even attempt to operate the engine without jacket and lagging reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of WHY the jacket and lagging are required in the first place! They aren't just decorative. They are definitely functional.

 

I don't think changing the coal will help...that's not the problem.

Looks like a  bituminous/anthracite mix is in the works:

https://www.facebook.com/pages...ect-113/204995049093

Wouldn't it put a lot of stress on the metal, to have a fire / hot water on the inside, and cold winter air on the outside, with no insulation between?  I've read that in the restoration of a steam locomotive, condition of the boiler metal is of the utmost importance.  Why would they take a chance operating it like this, without insulation?

 

I like the looks of the 113 but I'm willing to wait until it's finished to ride and photograph it.

If you want to see it finished,  buy a ticket or make a donation.

With no jacketing or lagging, it won't help.

Baby steps - proper blend of coal, jacketing in place - perhaps they'll learn from their mistakes and develop a better understanding of how to properly run and maintain their locomotive.  Sometimes folks need to learn the hard way before it sinks in that what they're doing may not be the best way...

Thanks, WB Trainman for the thread on 425.  I have seen her in action and think she's a beauty.

 

I plan on chasing both 425 and 113 a few times between now and Christmas, but will not buy tickets for a Santa train (don't want to be the creepy guy who's alone on a train full of families and kids). I will be donating to this site sometime next month.  http://www.rbmnrr.com/steam