Hey All,
I work at two 1:1 scale steam railroads. I am a fireman at one and a fireman/engineer trainee at the other. One is the Golden Spike National Historical site, the other is the Heber Valley Historic Railroad. If you are ever in Utah, please come check these railroads out.
Golden Spike is a National Park. It is the location where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific met on May 10, 1869. This signified the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad. We have reproduction engines of the Central Pacific Jupiter and Union Pacific No. 119. These engines are kept in beautiful condition, as both were practically new on they day they became famous. There is a very aggressive running schedule in the summer. No rides (sorry) but it’s still religious enough that you should check it out. There is a museum/visitor’s center with the story on this incredible accomplishment. If I’m there when you come through, make sure you introduce yourself as a BT List member. I’ll see what I can do to improve your experience.
http://www.nps.gov/gosp/ official Park Service web info
http://utahdepot.railfan.net/GSNHS.htm RailFan.Net webpage… great photos
The Heber Valley Historic Railroad is a living museum. We have two 1907 Baldwin 2-8-0 Consolidations. No. 75 is a base model and the 618 is a souped up model. The most significant difference between the two is the 618’s super heater. There are other differences, like hydrostatic lubricators on 75 vs. mechanical on 618, Vandy tender on the 618, high tech (for the time) alloys in the driverods on the 618, and 75 has an old fashioned wagon top style boiler. The scenery on this line is just gorgeous. The train starts out in town and then flat farmland on the valley floor. Next it goes along the edge of Deer Creek resivior, mountains to the west and a steep drop to the water on the east. Then down Provo Canyon with grades in excess of 4% (not the funnest part of the run to fire on the way back up) and very tight curves, with Deer Creek in site the whole way. The line ends at Vivian Park where the engine will do a run around and pull the train back up to Heber. The engines always face North. This is to keep the water over the crown sheet on the grades. It’s a good example of short line railroading a century ago. And again, ask the train crew if Karl is working. If you can catch me, introduce yourself. Incidentally, we are starting a new program called engineer for a day. You will get instructed on diesel locomotive operation, ride the cab and see how to run the train. Then you will take over. You will couple a freight car or two and the crummy and haul a real train. I remember the first time I pulled a throttle, it’s an amazing experience that should be felt by everyone who is a railfan. Now you know where you can do it. When you check out the web site, don’t limit yourself to just looking at the “photo journal.” Check out the “film companies” link for even more great pictures of our line, it’s equipment and scenery.
http://www.hebervalleyrr.org/ official web site
You probably have seen Heber Valley No. 75 in a movie or tv show. We have several different styles of markers, headlights and even smokestacks to change the appearance of this engine to reproduce an era according to a filmaker’s needs. She’s been in 32 feature length movies, documentaries, commercials and television shows. Currently she’s in for her annual and not coming out again until we can raise funds to extensively overhaul her. The biggest part of this job is new boiler flues, but also includes a new tender. We need $130,000 to get this engine back into prime shape and on the rails again. I’ve spent many weekends tagging and removing parts. Last Saturday, we removed all but the last few boiler tubes, and put her in position to drop axles. Basically the strip down is complete. Now we need money to put her back together. We have a hell of a crew that continues to donate labor to get the job done. But parts and materials are not free, neither are FRA inspections. The only thing that is stopping this engine from hitting the rails again by May is lack of funds. Every little bit helps, it all adds up. If you feel this is a worthy cause to donate a couple of dollars, please follow the instructions below. If you think you know any potential corporate sponsors, please provide me contact information or contact John Rimmash, Chief Mechanical Officer, at [email protected] or call (435)-654-5601 EXT 105.
http://www.hebervalleyrr.org/Volunteers/volunteers.html photo journal of 75’s current overhaul and volunteer info
Donations can be sent to:
Heber Valley Railroad
Operations Department
450 South 600 West
Heber City Ut 84032
An account for the 75 has been established at Wells Fargo Bank. Please note on all donation checks or money orders that the money is for the 75. To do so, simply place on the foot note something to the effect that the money is for the 75 Fund. All donations will go to the 75 and nothing else. Utah donations may be tax exempt as may other donations as the HVRR is a 501 © (3) coporation.
Thanks for you time,
Karl Abbott
South Ogden, UT