Re: More Video from OERM on Grizzly Flats in HD

I believe that the "Emma Nevada" last operated back in 1981 when the Kimball's celebrated the 100th anniversary of its completion by Baldwin Locomotive Works.

The locomotive was decorated by Ward Kimball more in the manner of the 1870s than as a 1881 locomotive.

A key component of any work done at Orange Empire Railway Museum is to provide for safe operation of the equipment in the collection. This means appropriate inspection, repair, renovation, replacement and subsequent operation procedures.

While the firebox dates from the 1915-1920 era (a replacement) the pressure courses of the boiler are are of lap-seam construction and probably original. The last time that the boiler was exposed and subject to external inspection was in the late 1930s when Ward and Betty Kimball renovated the locomotive for their backyard operation. I am not sure when the boiler tubes date from. We have recently had a professional boiler survey made of the boiler and that will be a guide for future work. This work may require the replacement of the pressure courses of the boiler with the originals being placed on display.

Several of our key participants with the narrow gauge equipment are very interested in see the "Emma" operate again. The project has received the blessing of the Board of Directors of the Museum. But, it will be proceeding as funding comes available (primarily from or through the efforts of these key participants).

Already various segments of the overall project have been completed or are in process. The casting on the locomotive to which the drawbar connects has been replaced by a new casting. The tender trucks are being overhauled and an appropriate spare was obtained. The automatic air brake system is being restored to the tender and locomotive (Ward had only a straight air system on the "Emma").

Give us time, and the Emma will be restored to operation.

Brian Norden
member OERM Board of Directors