Jon Walden Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Jeff Taylor Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> > I should point out that while the OF is a
> flanger
> > the D&S doesn't actually flange with it. They
> use
> > the movable wings for spreading. At least that
> was
> > the policy when I was there. After the rebuild
> we
> > did make sure that the flanger blade will still
> > move up and down. In the video the blade is in
> the
> > raised position.
>
> The decision was made to not flange through the
> valley. After Hermosa we flanged as well as spread
> the ROW. The up and down action of the flanger is
> controlled by the engineer from the straight air
> valve in the locomotive, while the action of the
> wings comes from a small reservoir under the
> caboose. This is charged directly from the main
> reservoirs on the locomotive. The left and right
> wings are controlled independently from the cupola
> by operators.
>
> Nick is correct that the pilot flangers on the
> locomotives have pretty well disappeared. The
> percentage of pieces still intact to the lead
> trucks varies from engine to engine, but the cab
> controls and air lines to the pistons themselves
> have long since been removed.
>
> It was a fun and very long day. The slides between
> the cement wall and MP 477 eventually became too
> much to safely plow with just the locomotive. MOW
> crews cleared them with a speed swing and
> bulldozer yesterday. To my knowledge the railroad
> is again open to CCY.
>
> -Jon
Jon, Nick, and Jeff
Appreciate your comments a lot!! It is folks like you who are keeping the traditions of the D&RGW alive and well to share with this generation and future generations. Keep up the excellent work and stay SAFE!
William
aka drgwk37
