Videos opening day at Western Maryland Scenic

Thanks for posting Ed.  My wife and I have fond memories of riding the 734 back in 2008.  My how time flies.

 

John

Nice! Somebody did some valve re-setting on her, didn't they? In that first video, she sure sounds lame.

Yep, and one valve cage was missing a ring. She's now the way she should be, and

has not for some time.

 

Ed

Yep...they obviously did some valve timing work over the winter.

 

She sounds nice and square now.

What an improvement,  she sounds strong in the latest video.

There was another change in the videos, too. In the 2014 version,

the whistle is a repro Western Maryland as used on the 4-8-4 Potomacs.

 

The 2015 video's whistle is a Hancock.

 

Ed

734 • Excellent videos, of steam power. Well done.

Gary

Sweet music.  I didn't expect any leaves on the trees.  There are a few. 

Great videos.

 

I can not wait to see her this summer. I am planning on being at the WMS on Fathers day to photograph her.  

 

 

Thank you to all who have noticed the significant amount of work that went into 734 since late February.  In addition to a complete valve job on 734, we also completed several other repairs including new rod bearings, new deck plate, petticoat, some new cylinder and boiler shrouds, 20 new tubes, safety valves, and paint in just over eight weeks.  You may also notice that #734's rods are quiet these days...  

 

We are already seeing about a 40-50% reduction in fuel use from last year, as well as a significant restoration in power.  

 

Mr. Kevin Rice led our shop during the rework of #734 and did a fantastic job of coordinating and completing all of the aforementioned work in a very short period of time.  I'm quite proud of what our mechanical team accomplished and again, thank you for noticing.  

 

We look forward to seeing you trackside for #734's final year (for at least a while).  

 

Mike Gresham

General Superintendent

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

 

 

Thanks for posting.

I agree, in the 2015 video, the loco looked and sounded great. A question, looks like all of the passenger cars have sealed windows, is this a new policy (or mandate?)

The WMSR runs all sealed window coaches due to cinders in Brush tunnel.  Even as it is, we still have significant issues with cinders causing discomfort.  The Board of Directors, with whom I agree, have maintained a policy of no open window cars because of this.  We do allow people to ride in the vestibules and in the open area of the former Southern/NS "Man O'War".  

 

And again, thank you for noticing all of the hard work the crew did in just two months...

 

Mike

thanks for sharing. 734 sounds great in the second video! May she be back soon.

It's good to hear from Mr Gresham on this forum.

I hope he sees this one: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=273156&nseq=43 

That is a photo of one of the 734's best years. The fellow who kept her that

way was running her that day. And after an absence, he's back with the WMSR again!

There is no doubt in my mind that 734 will look like that again, a fine excursion locomotive, clean and sharp!

 

Ed

Mr. Mullan;

You are correct; he and many, many others who used to be here have been returning to support the WMSR, both in paid and volunteer positions.  To paraphrase the great Mark Twain, the reports of our demise have been great exaggerated...  

 

Great picture by the way!

 

 

 

 

Might I respectfully request the current status of 1309?

#734 is currently in the shop for some fine-tuning on wedges; after which 1309 will return to the shop later this week.  After this week, #1309 will occupy the shop full-time except when other equipment has to be moved over the pit for inspection or work, special event, etc.   The next big projects are to inspect the staybolts, and start working on the tender and running gear while long-lead items are on order.    

Thank you.  I look forward to seeing this magnificent Compound Mallet back under steam.

Thanks, Mike. It's always refreshing to have 'official' commentary on the forum. There are a lot of good things happening at WMSR.