BEDT 14

EDM · **Posted:** Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:32 pm

Phil,

Its great to see that you guys are working on the 14. Could I offer two small corrections to the history of the locomotive? I started as an under-age volunteer at Black River in the spring of 1966, and never saw the engine in service. The last year it was operated was 1965, not as late as 1968.

Also, although I wasn't there at the time (I came on board a year later), I don't think that BR&W added the compressor and the rest of the air brakes to the locomotive. It had operated on the MPA before it's BR&W tenure, and it would have to have been equipped with both train and engine air brakes. Remember that both the MPA and BR&W were and still are common carrier railroads; at that time locomotive safety standards were enforced by the ICC. Now the FRA has that function.

I was in 14's cab a few times at BR&W, and remember seeing the air brake stand, but was too young to even know enough to take notice of what schedule it was equipped with. 6 or 14 would be good bets (if there is nothing there now-) and newer 6 (6NR???) distributing valves are pretty reliable. FWIW, Western Maryland Scenic 734 has 26-FNL, which is a 26 stand upstairs and a 6 distributing valve under the cab. It's a valid system, and shows up (at least) in the 1980 Car and Loco Cyclopedia.

Some of the Cass engines, at least a few years ago, had both their original steam jam brakes and air brakes. I didn't look that closely, but I imagine there would be two different sets of cylinders and some fancy linkage to make both systems work together.

bedt14 · **Posted:** Tue Jul 11, 2006 6:37 pm

Tell me what to look for and where. I'll let you know what 14 has in way of brakes.

Also, thanks for the corrections regarding dates.

Best, Phil

bbunge · **Posted:** Tue Jul 11, 2006 8:16 pm

Quote:

BEDT 15 at Strasburg as (gulp) "Thomas"

Gulp if you want, but that engine is responsible for introducing 10s of thousands of young kids to traditional steam... meaning 90 or 475 and likely contributes greatly to the very fine restoration work done there.

We normally make the trip at least once a year... this time will be in September. I'm sure the Strasburg staff are tired puppies after the Thomas week, not to mention having the Thomas theme song burned into their brains!

But when you watch all those families standing in line to ride the next Thomas get up close and personal experience with 90 or 475, it's a blast. And as 90 or 475 comes by, there isn't a face not watching.

Bob

bedt14 · **Posted:** Tue Jul 11, 2006 9:15 pm

BEDT 15 a/k/a Thomas

I agree with bbunge:

While 15 would not have my first choice to convert to Thomas, I'm sure SRC studied all possibilities before converting her. (Thomas? a her? I refer to 15.) :o)

Hard core preservationists, might cringe. I changed my tune over the past few years about it. I too was disappointed to learn about the conversion; but 15 was hardly one of a kind.

The end result far outweighed the sacrifice: Thomas has brought steam locomotives back into the observations of children (and some adults). If it wasn't for Thomas, #14 would not receive the attention it does during special event days in Arkville. Lots of children upon hearing we want to return her to operation, beg their parents to "make it run again". That plea is usually followed by the clinking and chinking of change into the donation jar.

Better that 15 looks like Thomas (and operates), than a bunch of razor blades or I-beams.

Also considering the fact that Strasburg turns out pretty good pieces of equipment.. The Little Engine That Could (rolling - non functioning) just wrapped up here in Arkville. Us U&D guys were ogling and admiring the craftsmanship, then we spotted the builders plate on the bulkhead: Strasburg 1998.

This was another underlying reason why this past weekend the #14 project guys made the decision to have 14 rebuilt by SRC. I can only hope SRC takes on the job.

My kids love to get behind steam. With 611 and 2101 out of service and last time I checked Steamtown had curtailed long distance excursions, steam is getting difficult to ride behind on the Eastern Seaboard. Maybe now the increased demand will bring some of it back..

Does UP still run excursions behind 8444 or 3895? I haven't seen anything of late. Wish they'd make it to the East!

Best to all, Phil