Large Scale Central

Look what rolled into Conneaut yards today

General Discussion
#1

The NKP 765 rolled into Conneaut, my hometown, today. She was watered with about 20,000 gallons and serviced while she waited. Many, many people showed up to see her. Stories were shared. it was good to see a NKP steamer in the former NKP now NS yards. Even if only for a short time.

Not being old enough to appreciate the “good ole’ days” I couldn’t imagine a yard full of these monsters. just watching it for an hour i was covered in soot, now I know why my parents attic was so dirty. It’s always a pleasure to see the 765 and the 759. Conneaut was a major point for the NKP and the guys running these locos know and appreciate it. They make it special for the citizens and especially for the ole’ timers who worked for the railroad. Several retired engineers for the NKP were helped aboard so they could sit in and admire the ole’ girl once again.

As a bonus Doyle McCormick was going to engineer her from Conneaut on. Doyle is a (former) local guy and I believe the owner of the Southern Pacific Daylight. The 765 will be at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway to view and ride on. Check it out if you have the chance.

I apologize for being a poor photographer but I hope you can feel even the smallest bit of magic the people of conneaut felt seeing her again.

Terry

#2

As a side note, the NS was more than gracious securing the second track in for safety, posting safety officers and letting people roam around the 765 and park ALL over their property.

T

#3

Sweet pictures Terry. I really enjoyed watching her come in to the Burgh 2? years ago and seeing her turn on the wye. Pretty awesome that you could get so close and personal with her too. That wasn’t an option when she was here. Also very nice to see no diesel units behind her. That really sucks the wind out of the sails. Thanks for sharing.

#4

Nice to see living breathing Steam.

It’s just a pity that the crew has to wear those gawd awful Hi-Vis outfits. Just think how much better everyones photos would look if the crew was in Bibs and a light blue long sleeve shirt. A Big part of running a steamer today, is the publicly factor, it’s about marketing, 100% of the time. It’s not just about the engine, it’s about the total image of steam, and the image of a by-gone era.

It’s even nicer to be a part of a steam program.

Just my $.02

#5

Awesome!!

#6

Dave, think “black and white.” The yellow will become light grey. :wink:

Seriously, I agree about the “air of authenticity” that gets lost with neon yellow safety vests and hard hats. I suppose that’s why I like tourist operations so much; they understand the full historic picture (even if they do polish the brass and paint the trim to much for my liking). Still given steam’s 20-year hiatus on the NS, I’ll take the neon yellow as a trade-off. At least they’re running the locomotives again!

Later,

K

#7

On her way home after running excursions out at Steamtown.

#8

That is just a thing of awesomeness. with the high price of petroleum and the plentiful and cheap availability of coal I vote we return to steam.

#9

That is really cool.

Is it just me or does the tender look really massive? maybe it is just the added piece on top?

#10

Is it burning coal or oil? Seems the oil tanks are much bigger is that what I am seeing?

#11

Taken from the Wikipedia Page:

Fuel type Coal

Fuel capacity 44,000 lb (20,000 kg; 20 t) 22 short tons (20.0 t; 19.6 long tons)

Water capacity 22,000 US gal (83,000 l; 18,000 imp gal)

The coal load can be seen in this picture linked to the Fort Wayne society’s page:

The second tender is an auxiliary water tank, since water towers are scarce these days and the dangers of running out of water are catastrophic.

Yeah, I’ll go on record for hating the high-vis too. Just a product of our over paranoid/sue-happy culture where quick fixes replace the value of common sense.

Edit: to add photo.

#12

Correct me if i’m wrong but I think the NKP berks use “long haul” tenders which is why they look so big, it’s cause they are.

The day-glo vests aren’t that bad. They were gonna make them put ditch lights on it!!

T

#13

Duct tape a flashlight on the bottom of each front step. Ditch lights on a steamer is universally illegal in all 50 states. Thats like requiring two steam powered injectors on a AC-44.

OK back to my corner… One more thing… nah…

#14

Nice to see, but makes me think sadly about the dead UP steam program that used to be so great. Doubt I’ll ever see any of them run again especially the Big Boy

#15

Whoa Jerry! What do you mean? Has the restoration of 4014 been stopped? I Just checked their site and twitter feed and there is no mention of issues. Can you fill me in?

#16

Terry and all-

How was the arrival publicized? Was the publicity days or weeks in advance? Who or whom was the contact point – such as the RR or the group responsible for operation and preservation?

I ask this as the group I work with in Fullerton, Calif., in the planning and promoting of our yearly Railroad Days event. We are continually looking for promotion/announcement ideas.

We use a banner crossing the main street in town, flyers on business counters, several magazine event listing sections (e.g. AutoClub mag.) and both local and regional newspapers. Granted, this is an expected yearly event the first weekend in May which gives us expected carry over PR.

Uncertain arrivals of steam have occurred at our Fullerton station – such as are they coming,…when? As remedy, we do have a designated group of 25+ steam enthusiasts who track loco movements and will make phone calls and email listings to notify the “devoted” of a steamer arrival. We now have a good PR relationship with BNSF,UP, and AMTrak because of Railroad Days drawing in excess of 30,000 each year. However, steamer schedules are frequently wishful thinking no matter the source. Dealing with the operators of steam may or may not produce any better trusted departure and arrival data as they may using the same information source we use-- the RRs, at times, appear not to have a singular “yes or no” source to anyone inquiring.

Any thoughts are welcomed.

#17

Used to see them run when I hung out in the telegrapher’s shack in Silver Creek, N.Y. where the NKP shared tracks with the Pennsy. Thanks for sharing.

#18

I rode on that train in 2013 out in Altoona,PA. Great ride

#19

Wendell, for this stop I would say social media and word of mouth. I knew because i work for the city and they had to make arrangements for water from our hydrants.

T

#20

Terry, yea. If I had known, I might have made the drive to see her.