It was an interesting Saturday at the CRRM. 346 was sidelined by the local fire district due to dry conditions. We were allowed to pose it just outside the roundhouse under steam. The visitors were allowed in the cab and the kids blew the whistle. The Santa train was pulled by Engine 40 ex Georgetown loop, ex IRCA (is that right Mike?) Even though the engine's immigration status is questionable, it's still a great looking engine. Phil Johnson rates it as a C-22 and it will pull. Later that morning a oil feed valve ruled out and we put diesel 130 on the train. Doing this in about 30 minutes allowed the next scheduled train to run close to the advertised. 40's feed valve was repaired and it was put back on the train in the early afternoon.The CRRM had close to 2,000 visitors. Santa was kept busy. Regardless of what colors or lettering the train had, watching and riding a narrow gauge 2-8-0 working up a 3 1/2% grade is fun.That is only the second time the CRRM has had two locomotives under steam at one time. The whistle used was off a UP Big Boy 4012? and was awesome. Hopefully we will have more. As Jack Campbell says, "It's a lot of work, but we are having fun."After over 30 years of association with the Museum I couldn't agree more.
Everyone have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The CRRM appreciates your support.
Bill Gould
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/24/2012 02:23PM by HighCommander.