Remarks:Duty calls. A high desert snowstorm is in full-swing and the Nevada Northern Yard is pretty much deserted, save for one intrepid locomotive crew for whom hunkering down is not an option. The smelters at McGill are hungry for more copper ore and there's a loaded string of hoppers waiting at the mines in Keystone. By the time these railroaders return in about 8 hours, going home for the night may not be an option either. This classic scene was recreated by the Nevada Northern Railway Museum...with a little help from mother nature.
Remarks:Shelter from the storm is finally within reach, as a Nevada Northern Fireman enters the East Ely Engine House to marshall his locomotive into its stall for the night.
Remarks: Although the Mason Bogie gets most of the attention, the Weiser Railroad at Greenfield Village has another operable steam locomotive. She's called the "Edison" and she's a 25-ton 4-4-0 American type. In the early 1930s, Henry Ford decided he wanted a 4-4-0 locomotive from the Mason Locomotive Works for the collection at what was then called the Edison Institute. When he found that none were available, he commissioned the construction of a replica in 1932. The work was done by the Rouge Locomotive Shop in Detroit, and utilized components from 3 existing engines. Ford named this creation, the "Edison", after his friend Thomas Edison. Although this engine is something of a mongrel, it has a unique character all its own....and the more you look at it, the more it grows on you. I especially like the little 2-axle tender. In my photograph, she's parked just outside the village round house while shop crews were doing some minor maintenance on her. If any of the Weiser Railroad folks have anything to add/correct on this story, feel free to post comments or contact me.
Remarks: The Greenfield Village's Weiser Railroad excursion train crosses Firestone Lane as she runs the last hundred yards to the station at the entrance to the park. On point today is the pride of the railroad's fleet and the sole remaining example of a Mason Bogie Locomotive. Number 3 "Torch Lake" was built in 1873 and is the oldest steam locomotive in continuous operation in the US. She's a 35-ton coal-burner and she's immaculately maintained by the roundhouse staff on the village grounds. Although the "Torch" has been extensively rebuilt over the years, she retains much of the look of a 19th century locomotive, including the elaborate steam and sand dome covers, a stout wooden cab and an oil-lamp headlight. The Weiser Railroad is a first-class operation and well worth a visit for any steam railroad enthusiast.
Remarks: Valley Railroad crewmembers Ken and Fred strain for a good look at an unguarded grade crossing ahead as they take the last trip of the day southbound toward Essex Depot. Their mount today is the former Aberdeen & Rockfish #40, a 1920 Alco product that has been serving the Valley now for over 30 years. She's the primary power these days, as the service days on the railroad's other locomotive, #97, are slowly winding down. Look for #40 to be out most of the time next season, with #97 filling in during boiler washes and other maintenance periods. The railroad is working to have their newest acquisition, the Chinese Mikado #3025, restored and in service shortly after #97 times out.
