I just got back from a Nevada/Utah trip. I can report that steam is not operating on the Heber Valley. The word around the RR was that the 618 has a driver-bearing problem of some sort on top of the firebox door problems it had earlier this season. No one was working on the engine last Saturday so I wouldn't expect to see it back for a while.

While I know things like this happen, shouldn't the Heber Valley update their web site to say that steam is not operating? They have pictures of steam engines, the word Steam, or 618 on every flier, billboard, web page, hat, T-shirt, etc. that the railroad puts out - that gives people the impression that they will see steam when they visit.

Chris.

Ok - lets all take a deep breath here and review the situation.

First off, this is a public forum that is governed by a stated set of guidelines. Chris's inital post fell within those guidelines. However, this forum also is a form of news media, and as such, many scrutinize posts in the same way that they would news in any other medium. That is: does the person posting the information have a known reputation (good or bad), what is the source of the information; did the poster attempt to verify his/her observations or research by contacting an official source. Most posts on the interchange lack one or more of these elements of credibility.

While it is fair to ask a poster to further clarify the source of his/her information (such as, what is the source of your information) - making an assumption about a poster's credibility is violates the stated prohibition against uncourteous, uncivil, or unconstructive speech.

I know that many here work hard to deliver services for the public to enjoy, and that many find it irksome when 'outsiders' raise questions about what is going on. Asking posters to clarify the content and sources of their information will ultimately help to bring forth more accurate information. Conversely, launching a 'coutner attack' undermines the credibility of both the person launching the attack, the movement, and RYPN.

Tom Cornillie

Tom-
In that respect, I just deleted my comments to Chris, as I just saw Tom posted before I got in my response to Chris's second post. I will have further discussion back channel, which is what probably should have been done in the first place, and which was basically what I kind of thought might have been the way the whole "its not on the web thing" should have been handled as well.

TJG

TJ & Chris,

I just deleted both your posts as I thought they were a little overheated. Yes, I beieve that this conversation needs to be held back channel.

Best reagrds to both of you,
Kevin

On Sunday May 28, 618 suffered from a failure of the firebox doors. this was due to two teeth on the left door breaking off. These doors have been in service on engine for as long as it has been at Heber (36 years). becasue of the failure, 618 has only missed six of her schduled operating days. Today, 618 finished a boiler wash that was scheduled for this week.

There never was a bearing problem. The main rods are off for new brasses (preventive maintenance).

618 will be out Friday. The Heber Valley Railroad is very committed to the on-going operation of steam locomotives. Our ex-Great Western #75 is currently very deep in an overhaul, that we hope to have finished some time next year.

I hope this helps clear some misguide information.

Michael Manwiller
Chief Mechanical Officer
Heber Valley Railroad

...for many of us at Heber. Many of us work regular jobs out in the real world and donate what time we can to the operation of the railroad. Yes, the shop crew is a paid staff -- which means the hours they work are determined by the budget alotted for wages. This most often translates to working four tens (or more) and so we don't see them around on Saturday---nor did you. But I was on the property all day last Friday, the brasses were being turned, and the crew was busy.

The webmaster (not a full time employee of HVRR) does an great job of keeping the Heber Valley Railroad website up to date. Note that the first sentence on the home page states that the railroad uses both steam and DIESEL. Should I start a list of the dozens of websites I have visited (many of them railroads with posters here at RyPN) that have not been updated for years?

Finally, the cardinal rule for any foamer is: If the success of your visit is dependent on the operation of a particular piece of our equipment, please call in advance.

Even then, don't we all reserve the right to change equipment out without notice?

Mike Manwiller says :



...and that's my next day as conductor!

lovin' the labor.

sc 'doc' lewis

Spreading rumor and innuendo serves absolutely no purpose in furthering the cause of railway preservation. So the engine wasn't operating. Anyone that has been around steam will tell you that these things happen, I don't care who the operator is. Many steam engines operating today are pushing 100 years old. Not only that, but the entire infrastructure of that supported steam vanished fifty years ago. That these engines operate at all is a tribute to the persistence and resourcefulness of the men and women who toil year in and year out for little recognition and even less pay. Please respect this dedication by posting information, not hearsay or guesses. Rumors only hurt the industry. Don't make our jobs harder than they have to be.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to get to know many of the crew at the Heber Valley. Every time I visit, I am impressed by their professionalism, competence, and quality. It is a class act operation all the way, of which they are justifiably proud. I'm looking forward to seeing 618 under steam when I visit over the 4th of July weekend.

Christopher K. Zahrt
Arizona Steam Mafia

So while we are talking about steam locomotives being out of service for repairs, does anybody know if there been any exclusively steam powered excursions yet on the Golden Pacific Railroad? I noticed that the website there has been modified and now says they offer "steam and diesel electric" powered excursions.

There is a difference between someone spreading rumors, "flaming" or posting a poorly worded question or a less than informed statement. I have seen too many threads turn into shouting matches because one person interprets an observation as an attack, launches a counter attack, to which the first person often responds in a defensive manner. One of the primary goals of RYPN is to attract new readers and participants to the site. Many new participants may very well ask dumb questions or make less than informed posts; which is to be expected as there is a learning curve involved participating in a forum like this.

If you see a question or comment that you think is less than perfect, please ask that person to clarify his/her statements. If you see a post that you think is an outright attempt to spread a rumor or is a "flame" please bring it to the attention of your friendly moderators.

Criticizing an individual for raising a question or sharing information in a less than perfect manner does not bring new, accurate information to light. Nor does it help others become better participants at RYPN - it only forces the moderators to take remedial action and intimidates others from fully participating.

Tom Cornillie

2100 has not operated any excursions at all yet, they are just finishing some boiler work and other maintenance. I've not seen any announcements of when they plan to begin operation.

My understanding is that the trips will have a diesel in the consist for the dynamic braking capabilities on the hill even if it's not required to assist on the run up the grade.

Hi Mike,

Thought you might enjoy a few shots taken on the Heber Valley this February.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=146102

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=148709

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=148710

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=145113

Thanks for putting on a great show. The scenery is fantastic, the engine a beauty and the crew are all friendly and helpful.

Put this railroad on your must see list.

Michael Allen

The photos look like Christmas Cards!! Wonderful!

Well said Mr. Zahrt! Most groups do have a very generic "right to substitue equipment" clause in their advertising. This is because every intention may be to run a certain piece a certain day but when that day comes something is not right and the unit must be taken out of service.

Hats off to Mike for keeping things the way they should be, which is out of service if needed. Hope to get out there some time Mike!

Andy

SSHHH - Melissa is still sleeping

nice pics Mike, thanks 4 posting.

tom c.

Manwiller looks like a younger Steve Lee with that cigar.... not intentional, I'm sure ;- )

TJG