While I don't expect many here to be Arcade & Attica fans, I thought this story would interest some here. First, a little background:
October 28th, 2001: The Arcade & Attica completes their normal operating excursion season. The Santa Trains in December are all special events. The 1year extension from the FRA expires in 64 days. After that, A&A 2-8-0 No18 will be required to be fully compliant with the new 40CFR Part 230 regulations.
January, 2002: Restoration work begins in earnest after the new year. Within months, its is realized that the process will be much more that just the ultrasound, calculations, and new flues.
2003: Work begins in the firebox as portions of both side sheets and the tube sheet are torched out to be replaced.
2004: The excursion season comes and goes as work on American Locomotive Co steamer 18 continues. In addition to the calculations, 18 requires work on some of the drive rods bushings, all the appliance studs on the boiler have deteriorated beyond safe limits, the pony truck needs a complete restoration.
2005: Left out in the weather for the previous four years, the cab structure begins to show the effects of neglect. Air pumps are sent out for complete remanufacturing. A peliminary inspection reveals that some of the rebuild work was messed up. Portions of the firebox will need to be completely reworked again in order to be compliant and safe.
2006: Work continues on all aspects. Speed of rebuild slows as railroad crews also expend time and energy in track maintenance.
2007: Work begins to conclude. There are hopes that 18 will return to service in time for the Civil War event. Then, in time for the Fall Folliage excursions. Nagging problems in final re-assembly keeps 18 out of steam for the year.
Memorial Day, 2008: With the Form 4 approved, the repairs complete and the safety inspections and hydrostatic tests performed, the NYS DoT and FRA give their blessing for ARA No18 to be returned to service. Complicating the excitement of the return of steam, 3.2million in grants are given to the railroad for restoration of their track. Trackwork commences in a massive way.
Monday, October 27th, 2008: Diesel # 112, a General Electric 65-ton center-cab, is having major engine work completed at the north end of the line. Diesel #111, a 44-ton unit, doesn't have the horsepower or the tractive effort to move the 6 100+ ton cars from the interchange to the shops in downtown. Steamer 18 is still hot from the previous day's excursions, the final passenger runs of the year. A&A 18 is called upon to perform freight service because of a down diesel. This is the first time in 15 years (or more) that steam has traveled the entire line to the interchange. This trackage is the last known Buffalo & Susquehanna track still in service, having been sold to the newborn A&A, less than a month after its chartering in 1917.
For pictures: http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopi ... 42&t=56210
October 28th, 2001: The Arcade & Attica completes their normal operating excursion season. The Santa Trains in December are all special events. The 1year extension from the FRA expires in 64 days. After that, A&A 2-8-0 No18 will be required to be fully compliant with the new 40CFR Part 230 regulations.
January, 2002: Restoration work begins in earnest after the new year. Within months, its is realized that the process will be much more that just the ultrasound, calculations, and new flues.
2003: Work begins in the firebox as portions of both side sheets and the tube sheet are torched out to be replaced.
2004: The excursion season comes and goes as work on American Locomotive Co steamer 18 continues. In addition to the calculations, 18 requires work on some of the drive rods bushings, all the appliance studs on the boiler have deteriorated beyond safe limits, the pony truck needs a complete restoration.
2005: Left out in the weather for the previous four years, the cab structure begins to show the effects of neglect. Air pumps are sent out for complete remanufacturing. A peliminary inspection reveals that some of the rebuild work was messed up. Portions of the firebox will need to be completely reworked again in order to be compliant and safe.
2006: Work continues on all aspects. Speed of rebuild slows as railroad crews also expend time and energy in track maintenance.
2007: Work begins to conclude. There are hopes that 18 will return to service in time for the Civil War event. Then, in time for the Fall Folliage excursions. Nagging problems in final re-assembly keeps 18 out of steam for the year.
Memorial Day, 2008: With the Form 4 approved, the repairs complete and the safety inspections and hydrostatic tests performed, the NYS DoT and FRA give their blessing for ARA No18 to be returned to service. Complicating the excitement of the return of steam, 3.2million in grants are given to the railroad for restoration of their track. Trackwork commences in a massive way.
Monday, October 27th, 2008: Diesel # 112, a General Electric 65-ton center-cab, is having major engine work completed at the north end of the line. Diesel #111, a 44-ton unit, doesn't have the horsepower or the tractive effort to move the 6 100+ ton cars from the interchange to the shops in downtown. Steamer 18 is still hot from the previous day's excursions, the final passenger runs of the year. A&A 18 is called upon to perform freight service because of a down diesel. This is the first time in 15 years (or more) that steam has traveled the entire line to the interchange. This trackage is the last known Buffalo & Susquehanna track still in service, having been sold to the newborn A&A, less than a month after its chartering in 1917.
For pictures: http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopi ... 42&t=56210
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__ J. D. Gallaway __
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__ J. D. Gallaway __
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