the 44 tonner did an impressive job of first pass break through plowing in the tight quarters of the yard and station areas

at the end of a long day, and still much to do the next morning.....as we worked on the crossings and switches we pondered whether we could actually be ready for the photo charter and opening day, as always we manage to do what needs done no matter what the odds are

we were so happy to see the plow making her way to leaman place at paradise(?) (end of the line).....in a few minutes we will be cleaning out the switches and frogs again and again and again..........

busy day for this fireman, hey Rick maybe you could tell us what might be different firing wise plowing verses regular running?

Firing a plow train is more difficult than a regularly scheduled train because you go have have to deal with extremes. On a scheduled train, you pretty much know the deal and the engine typicially isn't worked to capacity. When plowing snow, you go from just loping along to all out. You also don't know how hard or long the push is going to be because you can't see much of anything when you get into deep drifts. On Friday, we stalled twice and got stuck once. In addition, the plow went on the ground twice. We went through about 2/3 of a tender of water (Around 7500 gallons) and I don't know how much coal. #475 didn't slip once even when stalling in 12 foot drifts. I had to shovel snow out the cab and deck 4 times. This was the most snow I have seen on our line in the 24 years I have worked here. It was qiute the experience!

Rick

thanks Rick, did the engineer doing any cussing?....this pic is a bit poor, but shows one of the many drifts the crew had to shove through

.

Looks like #475 did a great job clearing the way. I wonder if she handles any differently in the snow than #382?

:-)

Thanks for working so hard to make a great Saturday, Strasburg team!

Rob

What is the reason for running tender first?

They Plow tender first because the engines at Strasburg all face the west. The engine house is at the west end of the line.

Rode the noon trip today. Took us 3 tries to make the grade leaving Paradise. Was fun for the passengers!

I've uploaded some of my photos from Thursday and Friday. I have to say that I shot a couple of my favorite train photos of all time on Friday. Have a look at them here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/tgears1/Sno ... Strasburg#

This photo might by my favorite taken at Strasburg in 30+ years of visiting.

Did I read somewhere that the Strasburg was talking about installing turntables at both ends of the line at some point?

http://www.youtube.com/user/RobDavisUnadorned#p/c/01D98BF5A81F197A/0/z7WqKsKDpiw

First of my movies from the Viriginia Creeper charter on the SRR this weekend.

Rob

Kelly, Linn & Co.

Nice job on the retro SRR logo and number board on SRR 89.

Wesley