New photos have been uploaded to our Flickr account, with many winter scenes and exciting photos from our popular Northern Lights Express!
Visit our Flickr site to see all of our photos. Keep checking back as we add more photos to share with you. Season's Greetings and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
December Order Board
Train and Station Crews Still URGENTLY Needed
As of Thursday 3 December the following jobs are open:
Engineer: 26, 27 (2nd )
Car Hosts: 13, 26, 27 (both)
Parking: 13 (2nd), 20, 26, 27 (both)
Model RR Operator: 12 (both); 18 (2nd), 20, 27 (both)
Also additional personnel are needed to assist the parking lot director, staff the station and the parking lot.
Please call Barb Walcott at 203.525.5290 or 860.283.5790 for operating crew positions, and Jan Harris for other positions at 860.482.3240 so that they won’t have to spend all their time tracking down the necessary staff. Day operations station staff generally report by 9:30pm; train & engine crews as advised by crew dispatcher.
ANNUAL FALL ALL-MEMBER WORK WEEKEND
The 2009 Fall Work Weekend was held on November 7-8. We ended up installing 100 ties on the main line, from just north of the Whyco Crossing toward Reynolds Bridge, and tamping the area vastly improving the ride. For those who have not yet paid their Spike-a-thon pledges, 252 spikes were driven – more would have been done if darkness hadn’t fallen making the task unsafe. The ties were extremely hard, setting up a challenge even for Louis “the Hammer” Edmonds, who reported this batch was much tougher to pound into than the previous batch. At least we have the satisfaction of knowing these ties will last for many, many years.
“THE NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS” OFF AND RUNNING
Following an intense effort to design, build, and install, the RMNE shop forces under the direction of Sam Walker put together 12 plywood display panels for use on the sides of coaches. The panel installation included the design and manufacture of an under-car mounting system that was both secure and non-damaging to the cars’ sides. Once the panels were built and painted, commercially available light displays were mounted on all twelve. Also, additional “non-invasive” exterior decorations in the form of tubular lighting was mounted along the car sides, attached by aircraft control cable anchored to grabirons. The result is a very visible image, easily seen from a great distance. See photos here.
From on board, the exterior lighting shines brightly away from the trainside, lighting up the area beside the train more than would be expected. And although most of us would not want a lot of snow to deal with, this exterior lighting would be even more impressive with a full snow cover. Sam and Celeste added a few new displays at the shop yard and station, and ideas are being considered for the expansion of lighting displays for next year. As of December 7, we’ve carried 336 on the day trains and 454 on the Northern Lights service, and we have now advance-sold over 2000 tickets! Tell your friends to take a ride this season!
Thomaston Station Halloween Party
The Fund-Raiser Halloween Party at the Thomaston Station on the 31st of October was a nice success, with over $500.00 being collected from the station contribution box following the event. A tip of the hat to Celeste for bringing in a bunch of her friends to supplement some of the RMNE regulars.
Train Shows Past and Future
Kevin Meehan, Lisa Drazen, and Bill & Sue Sample worked the 2009 Fall Cheshire High School train show. We heavily promoted our expanded Christmas operations. The next show will be the Amherst Railway Society’s Railroad Hobby Show at West Springfield, MA on Jan. 30-31, with set-up on the 29th. Kevin sends his regrets that he will not be able to attend, so we’ll be needing some extra help to cover the work he’s done in the past. For starters, we’ll be needing a van and perhaps a wagon or two to transport our displays.
2010 Brochure
The SEComm has been hard at work planning the next brochure, with Tony Pratt completing the layout.
Car Department
On the east side of coach 5805 Sam Walker has posted job sheets describing car department tasks for the next few months for a number of different coaches. Contact Sam Walker to help or for other Car Dept. info. Best to talk with him at the shop – he’s there on most Saturdays – easier to describe tasks in person and on site!
NAUG 4980, 4992, 5046 – the in-service coaches, need attention to keep them tidy During the Christmas operations. Please remember that revenue generated by a successful December will support other projects through the winter.
Coach 5805 has been quiet as once again Sam was appropriated to manage the train lighting and other holiday related work around the railroad. Work will resume in January once the decorations are put away until next November.
NH 603, ex Parlor “Forest Hills” had its roof work completed in November except for vent and drip rail installation. Dan DiTullio and Jon Chase have completed the restoration of the vent assemblies and they will be installed as weather permits. That roof sure looks nice!
Locomotive Department
NH 529 has been the regular locomotive on the Christmas services. Thanks to the talents of the RMNE shop forces this 59 year old locomotive continues to perform well.
NH (CDOT) 2019 has been drained and stored serviceable at the TSY. Despite a few problems in early October, the locomotive finished its service in a reliable manner.
NAUG 1732 – the new 567 engine continues to see a thorough cleaning by Scott Lent. Gene Pfeiffer is bringing various internal components to the off-site auto repair shop where he is rebuilding the IHC loader engine. It is hoped that we will be able to salvage the power assembly parts that had been damaged by moisture and freezing. Gene’s volunteer efforts have the potential of saving thousands of dollars by eliminating the need to purchase new replacement parts.
NAUG 2203 continues to receive attention inside the shop under the direction of Scott Paribello. Batteries have been installed and a newly discovered water leak was repaired. A lube oil change is scheduled and it is hoped that it will return to service by late December.
Bridges and Buildings Department
Jack Tarter continues the complicated process of assembling our electrical system, readying various components for installation to power the heating and permanent lighting in the shop.
Thanks to all those who helped with this issue including Bob Harrington, Kevin Meehan, Win Bissell, and Sue Sample —Bill Sample, Editor
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
All aboard the Northern Lights Express!
If you're looking to get into the holiday spirit, consider taking a ride on Naugatuck Railroad's "Northern Lights Express to Santa's Train Workshop." The volunteers at RMNE/NAUG have created a very festive and exciting holiday train ride that the whole family can enjoy.
Relax in our vintage coaches, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and be on the look out for a visit from Santa Claus himself! The first Northern Lights Express departs this Saturday, 11/28, and then weekends through the December. Two departures at 4:30 and 7:00 each day, advanced reservations are suggested.
Please visit RMNE's web site for more information:
http://rmne.org/trainrides/northernlightsexpress/
Relax in our vintage coaches, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and be on the look out for a visit from Santa Claus himself! The first Northern Lights Express departs this Saturday, 11/28, and then weekends through the December. Two departures at 4:30 and 7:00 each day, advanced reservations are suggested.
Please visit RMNE's web site for more information:
http://rmne.org/trainrides/northernlightsexpress/
Monday, October 26, 2009
November Order Board
Train and Station Crews URGENTLY Needed
We’re winding up our 2009 operating season and train and station crews are needed! Please call Barb Walcott at 203.525.5290 or 860.283.5790 so that she doesn’t have to spend all her time tracking down the necessary staff.
ANNUAL FALL ALL MEMBER WORK WEEKEND
The 2009 Fall Work Weekend is scheduled for November 7-8 and most effort will be dedicated to track maintenance work. This year work will be done primarily on the main line, from just north of the Whyco Crossing toward Reynolds Bridge. Anyone who has been aboard a locomotive through this area can feel the need for attention. Food will be provided at either the work site or shop, so far lunch will be hot dogs, burgers, sausages, and Butterworth Beans.
Preliminary Work Also Needed
To properly prepare for the main event and the Spike-a-Thon, much preparation work must be done to ready ties for replacement. Besides loading ties for distribution, we will also need to re-gauge the trackage this work began the weekend of October 24-25 and will continue the following weekend. We will need a good turnout to support this effort so that we can insure a successful main event. Hal Reiser is in charge of this project and will appreciate any help you can provide. We hope to ready 100 ties for replacement – that’s 100 ties with 4 spikes each for our Spike-A-Thon goal of 400 hundred spikes driven. Please dress appropriately and bring safety equipment such as hardhats and work gloves. Other details may appear in a special mailing.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER DATE CHANGED
Our 2009 Annual Membership Meeting has been rescheduled to November 21 to avoid interference with Holiday operations. It will be preceded by the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner starting at 5pm, with the meeting at 7pm. Dinner reservations are required – please contact Barbara Walcott by phone (see above) or at wwalcott at snet.net by 14Nov.
ANNOUNCING “THE NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS”
With the gradual erosion of the revenue generated by the Day Out With Thomas event, your Board of Directors -working with the Special Events Committee - has decided to upgrade the Naugatuck Railroad’s holiday season offerings in 2009. This upgrade includes after-dark services with an upgrade of the festive lighting both inside and outside of the train. The tentative evening schedule will begin on Thanksgiving Saturday, 28Nov which will be in part a press run, replacing our former Light-Up-the-Town service - then Sunday 29Nov, and into December on 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, and conclude with 26 and 27 of December. We’ll need and good turnout of train, engine, onboard and station volunteers. This operation has the potential of being a greater income producer than DOWT, as we will be running the event in its entirety and won’t have to share revenues with any management company. Income can go right back into the railroad and its preservation activities.
Thomaston Station Halloween Party Details
The RMNE will be hosting a Thomaston Station Fund-Raiser Halloween Party at the Thomaston Station on the 31st of October. RMNE members and friends are invited. This will be a costume party for adults only and will begin at 7:00pm and run until “the witching hour.” Dance music and party snacks will be provided, BYOB and BYO Food if your appetite dictates. A $10.00 per person donation is suggested – remember, the surplus is going to replenish the Thomaston Station Fund, which has been depleted by recent station improvements. Please help support this project and don’t forget to tell your friends! Please RSVP to Celeste Echlin, email cechlin at earthlink.net or tel. 860.283.7245.
Sidewalk Sale of Day Out With Thomas Merchandise
The RMNE will be hosting a Day Out With Thomas Merchandise clearance “Sidewalk Sale” 24-25 October. As sales were a bit off this summer, we’d like to take another opportunity to turn leftover items into income for the RMNE. This will be held at Thomaston.
Weekday Work Opportunities
Gene Pfeiffer continues to spend a lot of time on weekdays on the railroad, usually at the Thomaston Shop. There are a number of projects, primarily Motor Vehicle Department work, which Gene is working on and he could use some help. Another project that Gene has started is digging away the embankment at the end of the shop track leads so that they may be extended a few car lengths southward. He is also continuing work on the parking area at the main gate and the access road. Contact Gene on his cell phone 860.605.0454
Car Department
Reminder - On the east side of coach 5805 Sam Walker has posted job sheets describing car department tasks for the next few months for a number of different coaches. Contact Sam Walker at sbwalker6 at earthlink.net to help or for other Car Department info. Best to talk with him at the shop – he’s there on most Saturdays – easier to describe tasks in person and on site!
4980, 4992, 5046 – the in-service coaches, need attention to ready them for the Christmas operation. Please remember that revenue generated by a successful December will support other projects through the winter. Work continues of coach 5805 inside and out.
NH 603, ex Parlor “Forest Hills” currently remains in the shop, undergoing a general cleaning and roof refurbishing that has been spearheaded by Jon Chase. Some holes remain to get patched, and some final wire wheeling under the “J-patch” areas is needed.
Locomotive Department
NH 529 is scheduled for more testing, including some runs during over the October 24 weekend. Former CDOT 2019 has been the mainstay of our autumn operations, running in a push-pull operation. NAUG 2203 continues to receive attention inside the shop and it is hoped that it will return to service by December.
Maintenance of Way Department
Highland Rail Service has completed rail replacement on the Huntingdon Ave siding at Waterville. A number of ties remain to be replaced later this fall. The use of NH 2019 in a push-pull operation has kept the siding clear for uninterrupted work.
Gene Pfeiffer, new member Jason Hartmann, and others have completed the rebuild of a push car to assist with upcoming MoW projects. Quite a bit of grading has been done south of the shop to allow access and future track expansion.
Bridges and Buildings Department
Gas service has been connected, electrical connections have been made and our heaters will be ready for service shortly after vents are installed at the north and south ends of the building.
Loretta “Pie Car Mama” Seibert
Word has reached me from Henry Moncrief that his Mother, Loretta Seibert, passed away on September 27 from the effects of prolonged dementia at a nursing home in Westmoreland, NH, the area where she has resided for a number of years. Loretta and her husband the late Jim Seibert were fixtures during the early CVRA years at the Valley Railroad, running the Pie Car (ex NH W-153 “Springfield” diner) feeding the volunteers on most Saturday nights. (“Pie Car” was a term for the dining cars on circus trains.) Her last appearance at a RMNE function was the dedication of locomotive NH 529 to the memory of her husband Jim, held at the Saybrook Yard about 15 years ago.
—Bill Sample, Editor
We’re winding up our 2009 operating season and train and station crews are needed! Please call Barb Walcott at 203.525.5290 or 860.283.5790 so that she doesn’t have to spend all her time tracking down the necessary staff.
ANNUAL FALL ALL MEMBER WORK WEEKEND
The 2009 Fall Work Weekend is scheduled for November 7-8 and most effort will be dedicated to track maintenance work. This year work will be done primarily on the main line, from just north of the Whyco Crossing toward Reynolds Bridge. Anyone who has been aboard a locomotive through this area can feel the need for attention. Food will be provided at either the work site or shop, so far lunch will be hot dogs, burgers, sausages, and Butterworth Beans.
Preliminary Work Also Needed
To properly prepare for the main event and the Spike-a-Thon, much preparation work must be done to ready ties for replacement. Besides loading ties for distribution, we will also need to re-gauge the trackage this work began the weekend of October 24-25 and will continue the following weekend. We will need a good turnout to support this effort so that we can insure a successful main event. Hal Reiser is in charge of this project and will appreciate any help you can provide. We hope to ready 100 ties for replacement – that’s 100 ties with 4 spikes each for our Spike-A-Thon goal of 400 hundred spikes driven. Please dress appropriately and bring safety equipment such as hardhats and work gloves. Other details may appear in a special mailing.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER DATE CHANGED
Our 2009 Annual Membership Meeting has been rescheduled to November 21 to avoid interference with Holiday operations. It will be preceded by the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner starting at 5pm, with the meeting at 7pm. Dinner reservations are required – please contact Barbara Walcott by phone (see above) or at wwalcott at snet.net by 14Nov.
ANNOUNCING “THE NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS”
With the gradual erosion of the revenue generated by the Day Out With Thomas event, your Board of Directors -working with the Special Events Committee - has decided to upgrade the Naugatuck Railroad’s holiday season offerings in 2009. This upgrade includes after-dark services with an upgrade of the festive lighting both inside and outside of the train. The tentative evening schedule will begin on Thanksgiving Saturday, 28Nov which will be in part a press run, replacing our former Light-Up-the-Town service - then Sunday 29Nov, and into December on 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, and conclude with 26 and 27 of December. We’ll need and good turnout of train, engine, onboard and station volunteers. This operation has the potential of being a greater income producer than DOWT, as we will be running the event in its entirety and won’t have to share revenues with any management company. Income can go right back into the railroad and its preservation activities.
Thomaston Station Halloween Party Details
The RMNE will be hosting a Thomaston Station Fund-Raiser Halloween Party at the Thomaston Station on the 31st of October. RMNE members and friends are invited. This will be a costume party for adults only and will begin at 7:00pm and run until “the witching hour.” Dance music and party snacks will be provided, BYOB and BYO Food if your appetite dictates. A $10.00 per person donation is suggested – remember, the surplus is going to replenish the Thomaston Station Fund, which has been depleted by recent station improvements. Please help support this project and don’t forget to tell your friends! Please RSVP to Celeste Echlin, email cechlin at earthlink.net or tel. 860.283.7245.
Sidewalk Sale of Day Out With Thomas Merchandise
The RMNE will be hosting a Day Out With Thomas Merchandise clearance “Sidewalk Sale” 24-25 October. As sales were a bit off this summer, we’d like to take another opportunity to turn leftover items into income for the RMNE. This will be held at Thomaston.
Weekday Work Opportunities
Gene Pfeiffer continues to spend a lot of time on weekdays on the railroad, usually at the Thomaston Shop. There are a number of projects, primarily Motor Vehicle Department work, which Gene is working on and he could use some help. Another project that Gene has started is digging away the embankment at the end of the shop track leads so that they may be extended a few car lengths southward. He is also continuing work on the parking area at the main gate and the access road. Contact Gene on his cell phone 860.605.0454
Car Department
Reminder - On the east side of coach 5805 Sam Walker has posted job sheets describing car department tasks for the next few months for a number of different coaches. Contact Sam Walker at sbwalker6 at earthlink.net to help or for other Car Department info. Best to talk with him at the shop – he’s there on most Saturdays – easier to describe tasks in person and on site!
4980, 4992, 5046 – the in-service coaches, need attention to ready them for the Christmas operation. Please remember that revenue generated by a successful December will support other projects through the winter. Work continues of coach 5805 inside and out.
NH 603, ex Parlor “Forest Hills” currently remains in the shop, undergoing a general cleaning and roof refurbishing that has been spearheaded by Jon Chase. Some holes remain to get patched, and some final wire wheeling under the “J-patch” areas is needed.
Locomotive Department
NH 529 is scheduled for more testing, including some runs during over the October 24 weekend. Former CDOT 2019 has been the mainstay of our autumn operations, running in a push-pull operation. NAUG 2203 continues to receive attention inside the shop and it is hoped that it will return to service by December.
Maintenance of Way Department
Highland Rail Service has completed rail replacement on the Huntingdon Ave siding at Waterville. A number of ties remain to be replaced later this fall. The use of NH 2019 in a push-pull operation has kept the siding clear for uninterrupted work.
Gene Pfeiffer, new member Jason Hartmann, and others have completed the rebuild of a push car to assist with upcoming MoW projects. Quite a bit of grading has been done south of the shop to allow access and future track expansion.
Bridges and Buildings Department
Gas service has been connected, electrical connections have been made and our heaters will be ready for service shortly after vents are installed at the north and south ends of the building.
Loretta “Pie Car Mama” Seibert
Word has reached me from Henry Moncrief that his Mother, Loretta Seibert, passed away on September 27 from the effects of prolonged dementia at a nursing home in Westmoreland, NH, the area where she has resided for a number of years. Loretta and her husband the late Jim Seibert were fixtures during the early CVRA years at the Valley Railroad, running the Pie Car (ex NH W-153 “Springfield” diner) feeding the volunteers on most Saturday nights. (“Pie Car” was a term for the dining cars on circus trains.) Her last appearance at a RMNE function was the dedication of locomotive NH 529 to the memory of her husband Jim, held at the Saybrook Yard about 15 years ago.
—Bill Sample, Editor
Friday, October 16, 2009
RMNE Spike-A-Thon
This is an exciting time for the Railroad Museum of New England. We continue to move forward on many restoration projects to expand the collection and keep your railroad running. To do this, we need your help. Our Treasurer, Louis Edmonds is challenging everyone to sponsor him in a Spike-A-Thon on November 7, 2009. We know he can do 300 spikes... but can he do 400??
All proceeds go directly to the Railroad Museum of New England, a non-profit corporation, and contributions are tax-deductible. To make a pledge, either e-mail us or send your pledge form to:
We appreciate any and all contributions that you're able to make. Talk to your family and friends as well and ask them to support our museum as we work for the future!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Order Board for October 2009
Train and Station Crews URGENTLY Needed
We’re well into our 2009 operating season and volunteer train and station crews are needed! Please call Barb Walcott at (203) 525.5290 or (860) 283.5790 so that she doesn’t have to spend all her time tracking down the necessary staff.
ANNOUNCING “THE NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS”
The tentative evening schedule will begin on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 29 and then will run on December 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, and conclude on the 26th and 27th. We’ll need and good turnout of train, engine, onboard and station volunteers. This operation has the potential of being a greater income producer than DOWT, as we will be running the event in its entirety and won’t have to share revenues with any licensing management company. Income can go right back into the railroad and its preservation activities.
Weekday Work Opportunities
Gene Pfeiffer is often around the shop on weekdays, working on various projects, and could use some assistance. Contact Gene on his cell phone (860) 605.0454 for details.
Car Department
Reminder - On the east side of coach 5805 Sam Walker has posted job sheets describing car department tasks for the next few months for a number of different coaches. Like other departments, the Car Department has been pressed into DOWT service over the past few weekends but now car work is resuming. Contact Sam Walker to help or for other car dept. info. Best to talk with him at the shop – he’s there on most Saturdays – easier to describe tasks in person and on site!
Coaches 4980, 4992, 5046 – the in-service coaches, will be needing attention to ready them for the Christmas operation. Please remember that revenue generated by a successful December will support other projects through the winter. 4980 and 4992 also need ongoing window repair – Sam, Stan Bogacz and Kurt Wiener recently have been on that.
Coach 5805 Summary: Interior work underway includes north end floor repairs and the ongoing ceiling repair and painting work. Next up: 1. Building and fitting insulation panels, lower wall areas beneath windowsills. 2. Steel window frame fabrication – final prep of window openings, cutting and welding in the metal channel pieces in the openings (possible training opportunity here – contact Sam) 3. Hal Reiser will be taking a lead on the rehab of seat frames, which will involve moving them into the shop from the BAR potato car on the DA track in Waterville, then removing any of the electric heating units (dating from service in an electric MU car) from the frames, including a partial disassembly, then “media” blasting the frames to remove all paint. Exterior work remaining includes finishing rivet installation on northwest, southeast, and southwest end panels, and finish body patch grinding and welding on west side.
NH Coach 603, ex-Pullman Parlor “Forest Hills” – space this car is occupying is needed for other projects we’d like to get this car properly prepared to return to the great outdoors. Basically the roof is getting a comprehensive overhaul to keep it tight to successfully battle the elements. Project mgr. Jon Chase has prepared a detailed list of the remaining tasks and will be happy to share it; some of the tasks are listed on the side of the car in the shop. Please remember to tie off ladders so they won’t slide on the shop floor. As of October 11, it sounds like the roof stripping has been largely completed and most work that remains outside of painting concerns the sealing of screw holes and vent openings, and some minor patching. Details are available from Jon Chase.
Locomotive Department
NH Alco RS-3 529 - Hal Reiser completed battery box overhaul. Batteries were re-installed, a new high-pressure fuel pump was installed by Howard Pincus, and the locomotive was started up Oct 4th only to find continuing charging problems. Some progress has been made to rectify this but more work is needed.
NH (ex-CDOT) EMD FL9 2019 - This locomotive continues as the regular service locomotive until the 2203’s work is completed. It is the last remaining FL9 in NH colors still operating on anything close to a regular basis in Connecticut... or anywhere else!
NAUG GE U-23B 2203 - This locomotive is currently undergoing another oil cooler replacement, and is awaiting other work on the pit. Batteries have been removed and Hal Reiser has begun repair work on the boxes, which had been heavily infested by the tin worm (much rust and rot to remove and repair).
ex-CDOT EMD F7m's 6690 & 6691 - These units were built for Southern Pacific; then renuilt and sent to the Wellsville, Addison & Galeton; then Pittsburgh's PATrain, then CDOT's Shore Line East startup! These two units have been formally transferred to RMNE ownership by donation from CDOT. They remain for now at the head end of the Thomaston Display Track.
Motor Vehicle Department
Gene Pfeiffer reports that the overhaul of the IHC engine is progressing. Other equipment is getting the usual maintenance, plus some brake work on the TC 40. Excavation continues for the shop track extensions at Thomaston Shop and Yard (TSY).
Bridges and Buildings Department
Jack Tarter has continued to build the intricate web of electrical service for the shop, with his talents saving the RMNE untold thousands of dollars. He recently has been working on additional heavy-duty outlets for welding machine use, and is well along with a large circuit box that will control the heating system’s control circuits. Howard Pincus recently activated the north end vent fan, helping to control the dust kicked up by the roof project on the NH 603.
There has been progress in the Thomaston Station this fall as a preliminary waiting room ceiling and semi-permanent lighting has been installed. Ralph Harris is managing this project and reminds us that the station is our oldest major item on display. Not only will the appearance be improved, but heating expenses should be reduced.
Maintenance of Way Department
Our 2009 Fall Work Weekend, featuring a major track project, has been scheduled for 7-8 November. This will include another edition of the Louis Edmonds Spike-a-Thon. As treasurer, Louis has plenty of incentive to drive as many spikes as possible to help bolster our treasury!
Discussion has begun on the location of the outside yard tracks at the south end of the TSY site. Earlier this month Howard Pincus led a rail replacement crew near the Thomaston Station, and work continued on the Waterville passing siding.
—Bill Sample, Editor
Friday, October 2, 2009
Just another day on the Naugatuck Railroad...
Who says you can't turn back time? These photos are from a September 20, 2009 visit to the Naugatuck Railroad. These scenes await visitors every weekend. Come visit our railroad and create your own timeless images! You can support our restoration efforts by purchasing a souvenir ticket or picking up a few "must have" items in our gift shop. Photos by RMNE volunteer Otto M. Vondrak.
Time for ice cream at the WhyCo crossing south of Thomaston
Crossing Chase Bridge near Waterville, CT
Arriving at Thomaston, looking right at home
Our train is dwarfed by the massive fill of Thomaston Dam
Ducking under historic Reynolds Bridge
Time for ice cream at the WhyCo crossing south of Thomaston
Crossing Chase Bridge near Waterville, CT
Arriving at Thomaston, looking right at home
Our train is dwarfed by the massive fill of Thomaston Dam
Ducking under historic Reynolds BridgeThursday, September 24, 2009
Work Continues on New Haven Parlor Coach 603
Photo at Thomaston Shop by Dana LairdNH 603, ex-Parlor “Forest Hills” currently remains in the shop, undergoing a general cleaning and roof refurbishing that has been spearheaded by Jon Chase. The plan is to make the roof weather-tight by removing all coatings down to the galvanized bare metal, patching and caulking where necessary, and priming and painting to finish. It was decided as part of this process to remove rain gutters and ventilators as these are likely places for corrosion damage to begin. To date, most of the lower roof including the air conditioning duct cover, and the clerestory side has been stripped, with part of one side needing some finishing touches. The ventilators will be refurbished and stored pending reinstallation during the actual restoration, when new rain gutters will be installed.
Work remaining includes continuing the cleanup of the interior and vestibules, including the toilet area. The upper roof needs to be stripped. The ends also need stripping, access by using scissors lift. There are a few small rusted areas that need cutting out and patching. Jon has written up a more detailed list of work for this car that we hope to have posted in the shop.
A specific fund-raising effort has begun to finance the above work and improvements – please remit to RMNE, attn Treasurer, P O Box 400, Thomaston, CT 06787-0400 and note that the donation is for NH 603.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Order Board - September 2009
TRAIN AND STATION CREWS URGENTLY NEEDED
We’re well into our 2009 operating season and train and station crews are needed! Please call Barb Walcott at 203.525.5290 or 860.283.5790 so that she doesn’t have to spend all her time tracking down the necessary staff.
ANNOUNCING “THE NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS”
With the gradual erosion of the revenue generated by the Day Out With Thomas event, your Board of Directors -working with the Special Events Committee - has decided to upgrade the Naugatuck Railroad’s holiday season offerings in 2009. This upgrade includes after-dark services with an increase of the festive lighting both inside and outside of the train. The tentative evening schedule will begin on Thanksgiving Sunday 29Nov then will run on 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, and conclude with 26 and 27 of December. We’ll need and good turnout of train, engine, onboard and station volunteers. This operation has the potential of being a greater income producer than DOWT, as we will be running the event in its entirety and won’t have to share revenues with any management company. Income can go right back into the railroad and its preservation activities.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING DATE CHANGED
Our 2009 Annual Membership Meeting has been rescheduled to November 14 to avoid interference with Holiday operations. Time and location to be announced.
WEEKDAY WORK OPPORTUNITIES
Gene Pfeiffer rcontinues to spend a lot of time on weekdays on the railroad, usually at the Thomaston Shop. There are a number of projects, primarily Motor Vehicle Department work, which Gene is working on and he could use some help. Another project that Gene has started is digging away the embankment at the end of the shop track leads so that they may be extended a few car lengths southward. He is also continuing work on the parking area at the main gate and the access road. Contact Gene on his cell phone 860.605.0454
MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT
Bob Harrington reports that all of the vehicular fleet is in service except for the IHC front end loader. Gene Pfeiffer and Bob have been busy – as usual – helping in other areas, including site improvements (parking area and shop track extension areas) and with railroad telephone pole removals near East Litchfield.
CAR DEPARTMENT
Reminder - On the east side of coach 5805 Sam Walker has posted job sheets describing car department tasks for the next few months for a number of different coaches. Like other departments, the Car Department has been pressed into DOWT service over the past few weekends but now car work is resuming. Contact Sam Walker to help or for other car dept. info.
NH 603, ex-Parlor “Forest Hills” currently remains in the shop, undergoing a general cleaning and roof refurbishing that has been spearheaded by Jon Chase. The plan is to make the roof weather-tight by removing all coatings down to the galvanized bare metal, patching and caulking where necessary, and priming and painting to finish. It was decided as part of this process to remove rain gutters and ventilators as these are likely places for corrosion damage to begin. To date, most of the lower roof including the air conditioning duct cover, and the clerestory side has been stripped, with part of one side needing some finishing touches. The ventilators will be refurbished and stored pending reinstallation during the actual restoration, when new rain gutters will be installed.
Work remaining includes continuing the cleanup of the interior and vestibules, including the toilet area. The upper roof needs to be stripped – be sure to tie off the ladder bottoms to prevent sliding on the shop’s concrete floor before using them to get to the roof! The ends also need stripping, access by using scissors lift. There are a few small rusted areas that need cutting out and patching. Jon has written up a more detailed list of work for this car that we hope to have posted in the shop.
A specific fund-raising effort has begun to finance the above work and improvements – please remit to RMNE, attn Treasurer, P O Box 400, Thomaston, CT 06787-0400 and note that the donation is for NH 603.
NH W-221 (ex 2789 former RPO/baggage/express) – work on this car will resume when it can be switched to a more accessible location as it is currently two tracks away from power and air access. As was stated earlier, this car – with the 603 and NH 529 – could form a historically accurate Naugy train of 1950 someday – what a good exhibit that would be. Few other “heritage railways” could match this type of display.
C4989, the “C” standing for “condemned,” is currently parked on the middle outside track at TSY awaiting more salvage work. See the list taped to the 5805. Some windows were recently salvaged for re-use in other cars by Stan Bogacz and Win Bissell. Other tasks are listed on the east side of coach 5805. 4992 received schedule air brake service; unfortunately this had to be done outside because all three available inside bays were filled with other active projects. Al Pomeroy was assisted by Jon Chase and Chris Sampson. 5805 had inside and outside work ongoing. Inside work continued on the lower deck ceiling area, concentrating on where the batten strips will be installed between the panels. A panel that will be used for these strips was set up in the bending jig. Stan Bogacz, Win Bissell, Kurt Weiner were seen working on this, while outside Sam Walker kept busy fitting new corner posts to the north vestibule, a job much more difficult than one would think due various dimensional changes wrought by over 80 years hard service life.
Hopefully Claremont & Concord #50 (the narrow monitor caboose) will still be getting a trip to the shop for dry-out storage prior to some weatherproofing.
LOCOMOTIVE DEPARTMENT
NH 529 (Alco RS3) was parked outside the shop on the pit track where Hal Reiser continued the cleaning and paint preparation of the battery boxes and steam generator compartment. Engine and auxiliary generator work remain as future projects on the locomotive. The replacement of the wheels is also a future project, as is a specific fund-raising effort to cover the locomotive’s rehabilitation expenses.
Our former CDOT EMD FL9 2019 is now the regular service locomotive until the 2203’s work is completed. NAUG 2203 is currently undergoing another oil cooler replacement, and is awaiting other work on the pit. We hope to have additional information in the next issue.
SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
Vintage Express operations are tentatively scheduled for October 4 and November 8. Additional V/E operations will be considered over the Christmas Season, possibly as part of a revamped Holiday Season program.
BRIDGES AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE
Jack Tarter has continued to build the intricate web of electrical service for the shop, with his talents saving the RMNE untold thousands of dollars. He recently has been working on additional heavy-duty outlets for welding machine use, and is well along with a large circuit box that will control the heating system’s control circuits.
There will be progress this fall in the Thomaston Passenger Station this fall as a preliminary waiting room ceiling and lighting will be installed. Ralph Harris is managing this project and reminds us that the station is our oldest major item on display. Not only will the appearance be improved but heating expenses should be reduced.
COMMUNICATION & SIGNALS DEPARTMENT
Steve Butterworth will continue the crossing signal repainting program later in the fall. Steve says “it’s clean work with no heavy lifting!” Contact Steve at his email bworth5@comcast.net for details on how to help.
MAINTENANCE OF WAY DEPARTMENT
Our 2009 Fall Work Weekend, featuring a major track project, has been tentatively scheduled for 7-8 November.
Discussion has begun on the location of the outside yard tracks at the south end of the TSY site. Earlier this month Howard Pincus led a rail replacement crew near the Thomaston Station, and work continued on the Waterville passing siding.
That’s all the news that fits for now – thanks to all those who helped with this issue!
We’re well into our 2009 operating season and train and station crews are needed! Please call Barb Walcott at 203.525.5290 or 860.283.5790 so that she doesn’t have to spend all her time tracking down the necessary staff.
ANNOUNCING “THE NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPRESS”
With the gradual erosion of the revenue generated by the Day Out With Thomas event, your Board of Directors -working with the Special Events Committee - has decided to upgrade the Naugatuck Railroad’s holiday season offerings in 2009. This upgrade includes after-dark services with an increase of the festive lighting both inside and outside of the train. The tentative evening schedule will begin on Thanksgiving Sunday 29Nov then will run on 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, and conclude with 26 and 27 of December. We’ll need and good turnout of train, engine, onboard and station volunteers. This operation has the potential of being a greater income producer than DOWT, as we will be running the event in its entirety and won’t have to share revenues with any management company. Income can go right back into the railroad and its preservation activities.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING DATE CHANGED
Our 2009 Annual Membership Meeting has been rescheduled to November 14 to avoid interference with Holiday operations. Time and location to be announced.
WEEKDAY WORK OPPORTUNITIES
Gene Pfeiffer rcontinues to spend a lot of time on weekdays on the railroad, usually at the Thomaston Shop. There are a number of projects, primarily Motor Vehicle Department work, which Gene is working on and he could use some help. Another project that Gene has started is digging away the embankment at the end of the shop track leads so that they may be extended a few car lengths southward. He is also continuing work on the parking area at the main gate and the access road. Contact Gene on his cell phone 860.605.0454
MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT
Bob Harrington reports that all of the vehicular fleet is in service except for the IHC front end loader. Gene Pfeiffer and Bob have been busy – as usual – helping in other areas, including site improvements (parking area and shop track extension areas) and with railroad telephone pole removals near East Litchfield.
CAR DEPARTMENT
Reminder - On the east side of coach 5805 Sam Walker has posted job sheets describing car department tasks for the next few months for a number of different coaches. Like other departments, the Car Department has been pressed into DOWT service over the past few weekends but now car work is resuming. Contact Sam Walker to help or for other car dept. info.
NH 603, ex-Parlor “Forest Hills” currently remains in the shop, undergoing a general cleaning and roof refurbishing that has been spearheaded by Jon Chase. The plan is to make the roof weather-tight by removing all coatings down to the galvanized bare metal, patching and caulking where necessary, and priming and painting to finish. It was decided as part of this process to remove rain gutters and ventilators as these are likely places for corrosion damage to begin. To date, most of the lower roof including the air conditioning duct cover, and the clerestory side has been stripped, with part of one side needing some finishing touches. The ventilators will be refurbished and stored pending reinstallation during the actual restoration, when new rain gutters will be installed.
Work remaining includes continuing the cleanup of the interior and vestibules, including the toilet area. The upper roof needs to be stripped – be sure to tie off the ladder bottoms to prevent sliding on the shop’s concrete floor before using them to get to the roof! The ends also need stripping, access by using scissors lift. There are a few small rusted areas that need cutting out and patching. Jon has written up a more detailed list of work for this car that we hope to have posted in the shop.
A specific fund-raising effort has begun to finance the above work and improvements – please remit to RMNE, attn Treasurer, P O Box 400, Thomaston, CT 06787-0400 and note that the donation is for NH 603.
NH W-221 (ex 2789 former RPO/baggage/express) – work on this car will resume when it can be switched to a more accessible location as it is currently two tracks away from power and air access. As was stated earlier, this car – with the 603 and NH 529 – could form a historically accurate Naugy train of 1950 someday – what a good exhibit that would be. Few other “heritage railways” could match this type of display.
C4989, the “C” standing for “condemned,” is currently parked on the middle outside track at TSY awaiting more salvage work. See the list taped to the 5805. Some windows were recently salvaged for re-use in other cars by Stan Bogacz and Win Bissell. Other tasks are listed on the east side of coach 5805. 4992 received schedule air brake service; unfortunately this had to be done outside because all three available inside bays were filled with other active projects. Al Pomeroy was assisted by Jon Chase and Chris Sampson. 5805 had inside and outside work ongoing. Inside work continued on the lower deck ceiling area, concentrating on where the batten strips will be installed between the panels. A panel that will be used for these strips was set up in the bending jig. Stan Bogacz, Win Bissell, Kurt Weiner were seen working on this, while outside Sam Walker kept busy fitting new corner posts to the north vestibule, a job much more difficult than one would think due various dimensional changes wrought by over 80 years hard service life.
Hopefully Claremont & Concord #50 (the narrow monitor caboose) will still be getting a trip to the shop for dry-out storage prior to some weatherproofing.
LOCOMOTIVE DEPARTMENT
NH 529 (Alco RS3) was parked outside the shop on the pit track where Hal Reiser continued the cleaning and paint preparation of the battery boxes and steam generator compartment. Engine and auxiliary generator work remain as future projects on the locomotive. The replacement of the wheels is also a future project, as is a specific fund-raising effort to cover the locomotive’s rehabilitation expenses.
Our former CDOT EMD FL9 2019 is now the regular service locomotive until the 2203’s work is completed. NAUG 2203 is currently undergoing another oil cooler replacement, and is awaiting other work on the pit. We hope to have additional information in the next issue.
SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
Vintage Express operations are tentatively scheduled for October 4 and November 8. Additional V/E operations will be considered over the Christmas Season, possibly as part of a revamped Holiday Season program.
BRIDGES AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE
Jack Tarter has continued to build the intricate web of electrical service for the shop, with his talents saving the RMNE untold thousands of dollars. He recently has been working on additional heavy-duty outlets for welding machine use, and is well along with a large circuit box that will control the heating system’s control circuits.
There will be progress this fall in the Thomaston Passenger Station this fall as a preliminary waiting room ceiling and lighting will be installed. Ralph Harris is managing this project and reminds us that the station is our oldest major item on display. Not only will the appearance be improved but heating expenses should be reduced.
COMMUNICATION & SIGNALS DEPARTMENT
Steve Butterworth will continue the crossing signal repainting program later in the fall. Steve says “it’s clean work with no heavy lifting!” Contact Steve at his email bworth5@comcast.net for details on how to help.
MAINTENANCE OF WAY DEPARTMENT
Our 2009 Fall Work Weekend, featuring a major track project, has been tentatively scheduled for 7-8 November.
Discussion has begun on the location of the outside yard tracks at the south end of the TSY site. Earlier this month Howard Pincus led a rail replacement crew near the Thomaston Station, and work continued on the Waterville passing siding.
That’s all the news that fits for now – thanks to all those who helped with this issue!
—Bill Sample, Editor
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
FL9's Live on the Naugy
With FL9s gone from the main line after more than half a century of service, it is reassuring to see at least one of these units still running a regular schedule on former New Haven Railroad trackage. Railroad Museum of New England's former CDOT 2019 (built as NH 2049 in 1960) currently is the regular motive power on Naugatuck Railroad's weekend and Tuesday trains. The unit faces south, and is seen in this view approaching the Connecticut Route 262 grade crossing in Watertown, CT, on August 30. Visiting fans should buy a ticket to help keep this historic locomotive in service. Come ride with us this weekend!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
August 2009
Day Out with Thomas 2009 has now come and gone and overall things ran smoothly. Business was off a bit from past years; due to the reduced family spending caused by the Great Recession, and to some extent the weather (especially the first Friday). DOWT remains far and away the RMNE’s largest fundraiser.
Following the 2009 visit, crews worked hard to put the Naugatuck Railroad back to its normal configuration. Decorations were removed, fencing taken down, and merchandise tent equipment was returned to storage. A fresh train and engine crew boarded, returned CDOT 2019 to the Thomaston Shop Yard for a well-earned rest after having powered all DOWT trains without any problems. There the 2203 was “fired up” to complete the final switching moves, which returned coach 4990, the BAR caboose and Thomas to the Chase Yard, and brought the 5046, 4980, 4992 and the B&M 472 back to the TSY. Then the 2203 was deadheaded back to Chase to be ready for the following morning, when Thomas would be loaded and sent home to Strasburg, PA.
Gene Pfeiffer continues to spend a lot of time on weekdays on the railroad, usually at the Thomaston Shop. There are a number of projects, primarily Motor Vehicle Department work, which Gene is working on and he could use some help. Another project that Gene has started is digging away the embankment at the end of the shop track leads so that they may be extended a few car lengths southward. He is also continuing work on the parking area at the main gate and the access road. Contact Gene on his cell phone 860.605.0454
Hydraulic system repairs have returned both the Dyna-hoe and the tie inserter to service. Gene Pfeiffer has been busy working on an upper parking area as well as continuing to excavate the area south of the two shop tracks to prepare for their extension. Volunteers who normally are associated with the MVD are heavily involved with grounds keeping around the Thomaston Station and Shop Yard area, tending to mowing and planting of flowers. A number of flowering shrubs have appeared near the road gate to the TSY and I’ll bet the rose bushes are descendents of those planted by the New Haven Railroad over 70 years ago! I’m sure Bob Harrington can fill you in on this.
On the east side of coach 5805 Sam Walker has posted job sheets describing car department tasks for the next few months for a number of different coaches. Like other departments, the Car Department has been pressed into DOWT service over the past few weekends but now car work is resuming. Contact Sam Walker to help or for other Car Department info.
NH 603, ex Parlor “Forest Hills” is currently in the shop, spending its first days under cover in probably over a half-century. It recently received a quick protective paint job below the letter board, but now awaits some attention to the roof. Using the portable platform lift, the roof will have the loose paint and roof coating removed so that a thorough inspection can be made. We believe the roof is in pretty good shape so hopefully only some priming and coating will be necessary to adequately protect the coach over the next few years. Two styles of New Haven lettering appear on the letter board – this will be traced for future duplication and then the letter board and any other exterior panels will be repainted in the “McGinnis” black and vermillion for now. The car also needs a good interior and vestibule cleaning. Your editor made a first pass on the north vestibule, carting away much rust, dirt, and broken glass. This car’s appearance at the TSY has generated a good amount of interest in placing it in our “restoration queue” as a future project. It would be a nice historic addition to our fleet. NH 610, the former parlor “Philinda,” a stepsister to the 603, also was brought to TSY for a quick graffiti-cover up session. This car’s sides are in poor shape although the roof is good. The car was moved to Chase Yard for storage.
NH W-221 former RPO/baggage/express recently had its underbody power-washed, removing decades of “crud” to allow visual inspection. This car, as the 30 foot Railway Post Office / baggage / express car NH 2789, once was regularly assigned to Winsted-New York (GCT) service and various ideas for refurbishing have been discussed amongst the active members. One proposal has the car refurbished on the exterior to an early 1950s appearance but with the interior set up as an “activity car” suitable for charter or stationary use. It also could see service as a wheelchair accessible car, with gated doorways and the RPO area windows restored.
C4989, the “C” standing for “condemned,” is currently parked on the middle outside track at TSY awaiting more salvage work. See the list taped to the 5805. 5046’s new windows certainly passed the test of DOWT. As the window set was several frames short of what was needed on this car – the windows had been ordered for a different car - the replacement job isn’t quite done yet. Following the completion of the 5805 this car will enjoy a heavy overhaul as it is in need of exterior and some interior work.
Claremont & Concord 50 narrow monitor Caboose will reportedly be getting a trip to the shop for dry-out storage prior to some weatherproofing following DOWT.
Alco RS-3 NH 529 until recently was on the pit, a convenient location for a number of tasks taking place on her. With the batteries removed a thorough overhaul of the battery boxes has started, with the engineer’s side box now ready for paint. The fireman’s side is in far better shape so it should be ready for paint following a day’s surface prep and cleaning. The steam generator room under the short hood also enjoyed about an hour’s work of chipping and vacuuming but could use more work to get into the remaining “nooks and crannies.” See Howard Pincus for details.
CDOT 2002 recently received a power wash, getting rid of the “green” appearance caused by facing north in a shadowy environment over a couple of very wet years. CDOT 2019 continues as the standby locomotive when 2203 is out of service for maintenance.
The NAUG 1732 (ex B&M GP9) replacement engine overhaul has taken a few weeks off due to DOWT activities.
NAUG 2203 is currently waiting some attention to repair internal oil leaks on the pit track in the shop.
Kevin Meehan reported that DOWT ’09 merchandise department operations went well, and thanked all who helped make this possible, with special thanks to John King, Bruce Hollis, and Mike Bruscino for their preparation work.
A new “Sandwich Board” has been obtained for use at the beginning of the Station Approach road in Thomaston thanks to Tony Pratt.
Vintage Express operations are tentatively scheduled for October 4 and November 8. Additional V/E operations will be considered over the Christmas Season, possibly as part of a revamped Holiday Season program.
Steve Butterworth will continue the crossing signal repainting program later in the summer after DOWT. Steve says “it’s clean work with no heavy lifting!” Contact Steve for details on how to join his signal appearance upgrade detail.
Our 2009 Fall Work Weekend, featuring a major track project, has been tentatively scheduled for 7-8 November. Discussion has begun on the location of the outside yard tracks at the south end of the TSY site.
NEXT MEETING The next General Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday, 12 September 2009, at 6:30pm, at the Senior Center, Thomaston Town Hall, on Main Street.
Thanks to the following for their help with this edition: Bob Harrington, Gene Pfeiffer, Barb Walcott, Kevin Meehan, Steve Butterworth, Chad Boutet, and Sue Sample.
Following the 2009 visit, crews worked hard to put the Naugatuck Railroad back to its normal configuration. Decorations were removed, fencing taken down, and merchandise tent equipment was returned to storage. A fresh train and engine crew boarded, returned CDOT 2019 to the Thomaston Shop Yard for a well-earned rest after having powered all DOWT trains without any problems. There the 2203 was “fired up” to complete the final switching moves, which returned coach 4990, the BAR caboose and Thomas to the Chase Yard, and brought the 5046, 4980, 4992 and the B&M 472 back to the TSY. Then the 2203 was deadheaded back to Chase to be ready for the following morning, when Thomas would be loaded and sent home to Strasburg, PA.
Weekday Work Opportunities
Gene Pfeiffer continues to spend a lot of time on weekdays on the railroad, usually at the Thomaston Shop. There are a number of projects, primarily Motor Vehicle Department work, which Gene is working on and he could use some help. Another project that Gene has started is digging away the embankment at the end of the shop track leads so that they may be extended a few car lengths southward. He is also continuing work on the parking area at the main gate and the access road. Contact Gene on his cell phone 860.605.0454
Motor Vehicle Department
Hydraulic system repairs have returned both the Dyna-hoe and the tie inserter to service. Gene Pfeiffer has been busy working on an upper parking area as well as continuing to excavate the area south of the two shop tracks to prepare for their extension. Volunteers who normally are associated with the MVD are heavily involved with grounds keeping around the Thomaston Station and Shop Yard area, tending to mowing and planting of flowers. A number of flowering shrubs have appeared near the road gate to the TSY and I’ll bet the rose bushes are descendents of those planted by the New Haven Railroad over 70 years ago! I’m sure Bob Harrington can fill you in on this.
Car Department
On the east side of coach 5805 Sam Walker has posted job sheets describing car department tasks for the next few months for a number of different coaches. Like other departments, the Car Department has been pressed into DOWT service over the past few weekends but now car work is resuming. Contact Sam Walker to help or for other Car Department info.
NH 603, ex Parlor “Forest Hills” is currently in the shop, spending its first days under cover in probably over a half-century. It recently received a quick protective paint job below the letter board, but now awaits some attention to the roof. Using the portable platform lift, the roof will have the loose paint and roof coating removed so that a thorough inspection can be made. We believe the roof is in pretty good shape so hopefully only some priming and coating will be necessary to adequately protect the coach over the next few years. Two styles of New Haven lettering appear on the letter board – this will be traced for future duplication and then the letter board and any other exterior panels will be repainted in the “McGinnis” black and vermillion for now. The car also needs a good interior and vestibule cleaning. Your editor made a first pass on the north vestibule, carting away much rust, dirt, and broken glass. This car’s appearance at the TSY has generated a good amount of interest in placing it in our “restoration queue” as a future project. It would be a nice historic addition to our fleet. NH 610, the former parlor “Philinda,” a stepsister to the 603, also was brought to TSY for a quick graffiti-cover up session. This car’s sides are in poor shape although the roof is good. The car was moved to Chase Yard for storage.
NH W-221 former RPO/baggage/express recently had its underbody power-washed, removing decades of “crud” to allow visual inspection. This car, as the 30 foot Railway Post Office / baggage / express car NH 2789, once was regularly assigned to Winsted-New York (GCT) service and various ideas for refurbishing have been discussed amongst the active members. One proposal has the car refurbished on the exterior to an early 1950s appearance but with the interior set up as an “activity car” suitable for charter or stationary use. It also could see service as a wheelchair accessible car, with gated doorways and the RPO area windows restored.
C4989, the “C” standing for “condemned,” is currently parked on the middle outside track at TSY awaiting more salvage work. See the list taped to the 5805. 5046’s new windows certainly passed the test of DOWT. As the window set was several frames short of what was needed on this car – the windows had been ordered for a different car - the replacement job isn’t quite done yet. Following the completion of the 5805 this car will enjoy a heavy overhaul as it is in need of exterior and some interior work.
Claremont & Concord 50 narrow monitor Caboose will reportedly be getting a trip to the shop for dry-out storage prior to some weatherproofing following DOWT.
Locomotive Department
Alco RS-3 NH 529 until recently was on the pit, a convenient location for a number of tasks taking place on her. With the batteries removed a thorough overhaul of the battery boxes has started, with the engineer’s side box now ready for paint. The fireman’s side is in far better shape so it should be ready for paint following a day’s surface prep and cleaning. The steam generator room under the short hood also enjoyed about an hour’s work of chipping and vacuuming but could use more work to get into the remaining “nooks and crannies.” See Howard Pincus for details.
CDOT 2002 recently received a power wash, getting rid of the “green” appearance caused by facing north in a shadowy environment over a couple of very wet years. CDOT 2019 continues as the standby locomotive when 2203 is out of service for maintenance.
The NAUG 1732 (ex B&M GP9) replacement engine overhaul has taken a few weeks off due to DOWT activities.
NAUG 2203 is currently waiting some attention to repair internal oil leaks on the pit track in the shop.
Special Events Committee
Kevin Meehan reported that DOWT ’09 merchandise department operations went well, and thanked all who helped make this possible, with special thanks to John King, Bruce Hollis, and Mike Bruscino for their preparation work.
A new “Sandwich Board” has been obtained for use at the beginning of the Station Approach road in Thomaston thanks to Tony Pratt.
Vintage Express operations are tentatively scheduled for October 4 and November 8. Additional V/E operations will be considered over the Christmas Season, possibly as part of a revamped Holiday Season program.
Communication & Signal Department
Steve Butterworth will continue the crossing signal repainting program later in the summer after DOWT. Steve says “it’s clean work with no heavy lifting!” Contact Steve for details on how to join his signal appearance upgrade detail.
Maintenance of Way Department
Our 2009 Fall Work Weekend, featuring a major track project, has been tentatively scheduled for 7-8 November. Discussion has begun on the location of the outside yard tracks at the south end of the TSY site.
Membership Meeting
NEXT MEETING The next General Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday, 12 September 2009, at 6:30pm, at the Senior Center, Thomaston Town Hall, on Main Street.
Thanks to the following for their help with this edition: Bob Harrington, Gene Pfeiffer, Barb Walcott, Kevin Meehan, Steve Butterworth, Chad Boutet, and Sue Sample.
—Bill Sample, editor
Monday, July 27, 2009
Cab units in Connecticut
While Metro-North and CDOT officially retired the former New Haven FL9's this past winter from commuter train service, the classic cab units continue to serve Connecticut! On Sunday, July 26, former CDOT 2019 (former NH 2049) was on the southbound lead of the regular Naugatuck Railroad trains, with NAUG 2203 as trailing unit. The FL9s STILL handle revenue passenger trains in Connecticut! Photos provided by Howard Pincus.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Extra July Order Board Update
DAY OUT WITH THOMAS 2009 - VOLUNTEER STAFF NEEDED
President Ralph Harris has most of the arrangements completed for this year’s visit by Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, which remains the largest fund raiser for the Railroad Museum of New England. Nancy Pratt again will be using her organizational skills as the DOWT Crew Dispatcher and is now taking requests for positions. The event will be running 31 July, 1-2 then 7-8-9 August, the usual Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule. Please contact her as soon as possible at her new e-mail address or 203.578.5930. Thanks!
Train and Station Crews URGENTLY Needed
We’re well into our 2009 operating season and train and station crews are needed! Please call Barb Walcott at 203.525.5290 or 860.283.5790 so that she doesn’t have to spend all her time tracking down the necessary staff.
Locomotives and Rolling Stock
NH (ex-CDOT) 2019 is now back in service and will primarily be a back up engine when the 2203 is down for maintenance. The loco will likely see service on the DOWT runs this year. It will be the only FL9 in operation in Connecticut this summer now that the remaining CDOT –owned locomotives are now stored and no longer used by Metro-North.
Coach 5046’s window replacement project continues with most new windows installed as of mid July. Contact Sam Walker to help or for other Car Department information.
Recently coaches NH 603 and 610 (named “Forest Hills” and “Philinda” from their parlor car days) recently were brought up to Thomaston Shop for some cosmetic work before being placed inside the Chase Yard for long term storage. The surprisingly good condition of the 603’s interior was noted by many, and having it moved up in the restoration queue is a possibility should there be commitment and support.
Claremont & Concord 50 narrow monitor caboose will reportedly be getting a trip to the shop for dry-out storage prior to some weatherproofing following DOWT.
Car Department Job Sheets Posted
On the east side of coach 5805 Sam Walker has posted job sheets describing car department tasks for the next few months for a number of different coaches. Here are some of the items listed: 5805 – complete welding along west side of carbody, body filler to finish seam for priming. Fill hex-head bolts, finish other bolt installation. Complete installation of step hanger brackets. Complete riveting of n/w end sheet, diaphragm mounting area and corner post.
C4989 – remove salvageable windows; remove lift hardware from scrap window frames. Remove northwest trap and any remaining trap hardware.
Locomotive Department Work Needed
NH 529 – batteries have been removed so this is a good chance to vacuum battery boxes, prep and repaint so the next set of batteries will have a good home. Contact Howard Pincus for more information about this project.
Freezer Donated
Kevin Meehan reports that we have received the donation of a large chest-type freezer from Dick “Foreman Yes” Lathrop. A big thank you from all of us that will be enjoying the refreshment made possible by the new freezer.
—Bill Sample, Editor
Friday, July 17, 2009
Tales of the Yellow Fleet: The Boom Truck Goes BOOM!
The Yellow Fleet was the name given to a group of fourteen ships trapped in the Suez Canal (in the Great Bitter Lake section) from 1967 to 1975 as a result of the Six-Day War. The name derived from their yellow appearance as they were increasingly covered in desert sand swept onboard. WAIT! Stop right there!! Not that yellow fleet...
The "Yellow Fleet" is the informal name given to the collection of support equipment, both rubber tired and not, that enables the Railroad Museum of New England to support the goals of preservation and interpretation along with the operation of the railroad. Included are rubber tired motor vehicles, "hi-rail" equipment (can operate on road or rail), construction machinery and track equipment. Most happen to be painted... guess what color?
The most senior member of this diverse group is an item known locally as the "boom truck." A 1973 Ford C-700 heavy duty truck chassis with a hydraulic crane mounted behind the cab and a length of stake body. This truck was donated by the local electric utility many, many moons ago. Those of us with enough whiskers can recall that this truck figured prominently in the RMNE’s first major track project, which was the construction of Saybrook Yard. To this day, the truck has a high degree of usefulness and can be quickly set up for many types of lifting projects. Back in the day, it was even known to leave home territory and travel over the road for various resource recovery efforts.
By the way, we don’t recall who christened it the "boom truck." However, a boom is a part of a crane, the part of that actually positions the hoist over the load to be picked. The passage of time, along with the continual expansion of the yellow fleet, has created some difficulties when comes to maintaining all this stuff. Not enough time, not enough money. On the upside, there happens to be a dedicated maintenance crew consisting of Gene Pfeiffer and Bob Harrington. Two men with two lifetimes’ worth of experience dealing with this type of stuff. Not only that, but they have commercial drivers licenses (CDL) and can legally drive the heavier items on public roads. Sounds like a match made in heaven, right?
It can be argued that a piece of machinery has a personality of its own. The boom truck, suffice to say, is sorta loud, but she tends to go about her business without too much fanfare. Never been much of a hangar queen. Well, a few Saturdays past, folks were working in about the shop, puttering away on various things and all of a sudden, a loud BOOM was heard. We were outside, rummaging inside a boxcar and quicky ran into the shop to investigate. Nothing seems to be amiss-so we circled around and went back to what we doing and then we saw it. There was Gene, cigartte butt dangling out of his mouth, pointing down at the ground at some pieces of black plastic.
I don’t recall exactly, but his words were something like, "The $#%! battery blew up." Moving closer for a look, there were the remains of the battery sitting under the cab. The rest of the battery was scattered about on the ground. The boom truck went BOOM! As no one was hurt, we turned to the hows and whys of the situation. In very detailed fashion, Gene detailed the events of the day. Long and the short of it was that she had been misbehavin’ all day, and choose to punctuate the end of her day with an explosion. A more technical explanation: the truck had been overcharging for quite a while, boiled all of the water out of the sealed battery and then the battery exploded.
The next Monday, Gene returned to the scene of the crime, with a fresh battery in tow. One twist of the key later, the truck returned to life with the usual roar. Easy enough, right? Not so fast. Now, it was time to get down to brass tacks and examine the defective battery charging system. Out comes the voltmeter, touch test probes here, touch probes there. Yes-No-YESSS! Appears to be the voltage regulator. Back to the "office" to locate the part.
The office (actually Gene’s kitchen) is where much of the hard stuff takes place. That is, locating the needed part at a price that the group is able to pay. Endless numbers of cell phone calls (many of them dead ends), note taking, looking through repair manuals and parts books. All done during business hours, during the day. Navigating the long trail, in search of the solution.
In this case, the trail is going to lead to Cheshire Ford because parts for heavy duty vehicles such as the boom truck aren’t carried at the local auto parts store. Gene made the 40 mile journey down to Chesire Ford. As Gene is apt to do, he chatted up the parts guy, who turned out to be well schooled in these vehicles. Gene learned that there were three variations of this truck chassis. One was equipped with an auger to drill holes for utility poles, one had a grapple to set the poles and the third (our old ‘gal) was used to lift and mount the transformers on the pole. Unknown to anybody but Clem, the boom truck was equipped with a high-output alternator used to power lights (removed before we obtained the truck) located on the boom. A knowlegable parts guy always helps things along, along with selecting the correct part the first time out.
After some money changed hands, a voltage regulator (stocked in Florida) and a priming switch (stocked in Pennsylvania) were ordered. Forty miles back to Genes’ place and on to other matters. A few days later, another forty miles to Chesire to pick the stuff up-and still another forty miles back.
The following Saturday, Gene and Bob got set up to make the old gal healthy again. The new voltage regulator was nothing but a simple swap. The priming switch turned out to be a bit of a challenge, but was eventually doped out and installed. After working the priming switch, the truck started easily, as it should have. Not only that, but the charging ammeter settled down to the middle position, instead of showing maximum charge. That problem was solved. For now, the boom truck is good to go. Not that she is perfect. There is a clutch slave cylinder to be changed, and leaks to be addressed in certain hydraulic cylinders. In due time, Gene will take care of those problems, too, no doubt about it!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Hot rivet action at Thomaston Shop
Restoration work continues on our ex-Canadian National heavyweight coaches. These pictures show museum volunteers Jon Chase and Dan Ditullio installing rivets in new end sheets on coach 5805. The process involves heating the rivets, driving and bucking them (with two rivet guns), inserting the red-hot rivet with rivet tongs and getting the air-powered rivet gun onto the head and driving the rivet. These photos were provided by Howard Pincus.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Naugatuck Raiload 1884
This 1884 timetable documents Naugatuck Railroad service between Bridgeport and Winsted, about twenty years before control was assumed by the New Haven. Notice that both freight and passenger trains are shown in the schedule, as well as the "Watertown Division," showing service between Watertown and Waterbury. Today's Naugatuck Railroad operates from just north of Waterbury Station to the current end of the line in Torrington. Frequent commuter service is offered between Waterbury and Bridgeport by MTA Metro-North Railroad.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
July Order Board
NEXT MEETING
The next General Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday, 12 September 2009, at 6:30pm, at the Senior Center, Thomaston Town Hall, on Main Street.UPCOMING EVENTS & PROJECTS
DAY OUT WITH THOMAS 2009 - VOLUNTEER STAFF NEEDED: President Ralph Harris has most of the arrangements completed for this year’s visit by Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, which remains the largest by far RMNE fund raiser. Nancy Pratt again will be using her organizational skills as the DOWT Crew Dispatcher and is now taking requests for positions. The event will be running July 31, August 1-2, and August 7-9, our usual Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule. Please contact her as soon as possible at her new e-mail address or 203.578.5930 – Thanks!FINAL RULES CLASS FOR 2009: The final NORAC Book of Rules Class will be given on Saturday 11 July. For details such as time and location as well as to register, please contact Kevin Meehan tel 860.965.2938. Kevin is also requesting the donation of a large chest-type freezer or ice machine for use in the DOWT trailer. Having cold water and ice on those hot summer DOWT days is nice!
Train and Station Crews URGENTLY Needed: We’ve begun our 2009 operating season and train and station crews are needed! Please call Barb Walcott at 203.525.5290 or 860.283.5790 so that she doesn’t have to spend all her time tracking down the necessary staff.
Weekday Work Opportunities: Gene Pfeiffer continues to spend a lot of time on weekdays on the railroad, usually at the Thomaston Shop. There are a number of projects that Gene is working on and he could use some help, you can contact him at 860.605.0454. Gene has been the go-to guy for getting a number of different tasks done on the property and he can be even more efficient with a helper or two.
Car Department Job Sheets Posted: On the east side of coach 5805 Sam Walker has posted job sheets describing car department tasks for the next few months for a number of different coaches. Here are some of the items listed: 5805 – complete welding along west side of carbody, body filler to finish seam for priming. Fill hex-head bolts, finish other bolt installation. Complete installation of step hanger brackets. Complete riveting of n/w end sheet, diaphragm mounting area and corner post. 5046 – Complete hardware installation on new windows, install window latches on new guides, install in coach, removing old windows for re-use or disposal. 4990- Remove traps on west side north and south, prep and fit replacements. Vestibule outer doors – scrape, repair latches and windows, and repaint. C4989 – remove salvageable windows; remove lift hardware from scrap window frames. Remove n/w trap and any remaining trap hardware.
Locomotive Department Work Needed: NH 529 – batteries have been removed so this is a good chance to vacuum battery boxes, prep and repaint so the next set of batteries will have a good home. See Howard for details
Communication & Signal Department: Steve Butterworth will continue the crossing signal repainting program later in the summer. He thanks Chad Boutet, Hal Reiser, and Dana Hunt for their assistance. Steve says “it’s clean work with no heavy lifting!” Contact Steve at his email for details on how to join his signal appearance upgrade detail.
MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENT
Gene Pfeiffer and Bob Harrington report that the boom truck’s electrical illness has been cured, and Gene has found that many hard-to-get parts can be obtained at Dowling Ford. The boom truck is ex-UI and has a number of non-stock heavy-duty components. Good detective work, Gene!LOCOMOTIVES AND ROLLING STOCK
Naugatuck 103 – The RMNE’s other steam locomotive now resides on the Naugy after completing an over-the-road move from its long time home on the Valley Railroad at Essex, CT. A mighty tip of the hat goes to RMNE member and rigger extraordinaire Bob Eberheim, who planned the move with Howard Pincus, then made it all happen. Two Link-Belt quad axle mobile cranes did the locomotive lift, placing it on a low bed operated by J A Miara Riggers and Heavy Haulers. The locomotive was set onto home rails by 9:15pm on 25 June. A cosmetic restoration is planned prior to a public display at the Thomaston Station.NAUG 1732’s future 567C model diesel engine has now had all 16 heads removed from the block and next come the cylinder liners, with 3 removed by the end of June. A rig to do this had been designed by RMNE locomotive staff and RMNE friend Bob Carlson. An initial air pressure test has indicated that the “top deck” of the engine was not damaged by freezing but a more definitive test is needed to confirm this. We’re keeping our fingers crossed!
NAUG 2203 carries on, and is currently “running like a champ” – your editor can speak from hands-on experience! Scott P, Dave K, Dave M, Matt A, and others have kept it that way. Some routine maintenance is scheduled in early July to keep the 2203 “shipshape” – after all it is a “U-Boat” - and up to date on its paperwork.
NH 529 will be taking an extended vacation. The “new” auxiliary generator that had recently been installed has been trouble prone and has been removed for rework or replacement. A fairly serious water leak has been discovered which will require the removal of one of the cylinder heads, and a high pressure fuel pump will need work. The locomotive’s wheels, which have been reprofiled at least twice and there’s no “meat,” are in need of an expensive replacement and we will be turning up the heat on fundraising to make this possible.
CDOT FL9m 2019 is again moving under its own power and continues to receive attention to get it into standby status. Triennial brake work is next to get its paperwork up to date. Get your barring-the-engine-over muscles ready folks! The loco will likely see service on the DOWT runs this year. An historical note for those who haven’t heard: Metro-North has finally retired their 6 remaining FL9s, being the second batch of CDOT-owned locomotives appropriately attired in NH colors. Thus, the final former NH locomotives are retired from main line service, returned their ancestral home at New Haven to await their fate.
Coach 5046’s window replacement project continues with 8 new windows installed as of late June. The project will continue into July. Contact Sam to help or for other car dept. info.
Coach 5805 has now felt the pounding of hot rivet installation on its northwest end sheet. Al Pomeroy worked the gun while the “usual suspects” heated, passed, inserted and “bucked” the rivets. Al’s experience at this ancient art made the work look easy. Inside the coach, Stan Bogacz and company continue to work on the lower deck ceiling, and Tony Pratt has continued his patch fitting.
NH Shop Car W-221 has had its first truck-frame painted and it sure looks good! Thanks, Chris and Dawn.
Claremont & Concord 50 narrow monitor Caboose is in desperate need of roof protection. Hopefully it is not too late to save the historic car. A shrink-wrap candidate?
Thanks to the following for their help with this edition: Dave Manning, Barb Walcott, Howard Pincus, Steve Butterworth, Bob Harrington, Gene Pfeiffer, Sam Walker, Kevin Meehan and Sue Sample.
—Bill Sample, Editor
Monday, June 29, 2009
Steam Engine #103 Leaves Essex for a New Home
After spending the last 38 years at the Valley Railroad in Essex, Connecticut, steam locomotive #103 moved to its new home on Thursday June 25. At 9:15 pm that evening, 103 touched down on the rails of the Naugatuck Railroad in Waterville, Connecticut. The “Naugy” is the operating heritage railroad of the Railroad Museum of New England (RMNE).Steam locomotive No. 103 was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in November 1925, for the Sumter & Choctaw Railroad, a small logging railway in northern Alabama. It has a 2-6-2 wheel arrangement. The engine worked there for over 30 years, and was sold in 1962 to the Empire State Railway Museum of Middletown, NY. 103 operated at Middletown until late 1966, and was moved to the new Valley Railroad at Essex in early 1971. As the crews worked to get ready for the Valley’s opening day in the summer of 1971, 103 was readied for her role as the first steam locomotive of the new railroad. After a midnight test run (the first operation of 103 at VRR), 103 triumphantly pulled the first 3-car VRR train into the Essex depot on the morning of July 29, 1971-- 100 years to the day of the first run on that very line.
In 1972 and early 73, 103 had to work harder to move the 4 and then 5 car trains needed to carry the growing passenger load, and work commenced on a larger steam locomotive at Essex, 2-8-0 #97. First steamed up in March 1973, 97 entered regular service that summer and quickly replaced little 103. 103 last operated in 1975, and had been on display at Essex ever since.
Ownership of 103 was transferred in 1986 by Empire State to the Railroad Museum of New England. RMNE started operation of the Naugatuck Railroad in 1996 and has been transferring RMNE locomotives and cars from VRR to the Naugy. For the last 8 or 9 years, an RMNE crew has gone to Essex annually, to oil and grease 103’s moving parts.
The move of 103 was done under the supervision of Bob Eberheim, an RMNE member who has decades of professional rigging and heavy hauling experience. Bob coordinated the cranes and the heavy-haul tractor-trailers that loaded, moved and unloaded 103. Starting the loading process in the Essex station parking lot at 3 pm, 103 and tender were loaded and ready to go at 4:30 pm, and they rolled out of Essex for the last time.
Going faster than it ever had on rails, 103 moved along at 50-55 mph until a fan belt broke on the truck hauling the little locomotive. After a two-hour delay for repairs (at $349, it was a very expensive fan belt for that trucker!), 103 arrived at RMNE’s Chase Yard in Waterville. The tender had already been unloaded and pulled out of the way, and the two cranes were ready to set up and lift 103 off the trailer.
Back on rails at 9:15 pm, tender connected again at 9:40 pm, and safely tucked away on Track 5 in Chase Yard at 10:10 pm, 103 was ready for the next chapter in its 84-year career. And a tired, happy crew closed the gate and went to eat a late dinner. Except for the fan belt trick, the move was without incident, which is just how the RMNE crew likes these things!
Locomotive 103 weighs about 45 tons in working order (steamed up with fire and water in the boiler). It is considered a small steam locomotive, suitable for speeds up to about 20 mph, and easily operated in either direction, as befits a short-line locomotive. The engine and tender together are 50 feet long. The tender carries 3000 gallons of water and 5 tons of coal.
RMNE plans to spruce up 103 and paint it; replace the missing cab windows and make sure the engine is secure against the weather. Locomotive 103 will be displayed at the 1881 Thomaston station once she is ready.
Preparing the 103 for transport from the Valley Railroad
Getting ready to lift onto the trailer
Locomotive 103 is now secure on the trailer
The tender was much easier to coax onto its trailer
Comparing profiles between 103 in the foreground and Valley Railroad #40 in the distance
Engine 103 begins its journey to RMNE, passing through the front gates at Valley Railroad
Heading down the highway, probably the fastest 103 has traveled in a long time!
Arriving at Chase Yard in Waterville, with RMNE volunteers waiting
Unloading begins
Engine 103 is safely returned to the rails once more