Go to http://www.ohiocentralrr.com/schedule/schedule00.html to see the updated excursion schedule for 2002 at the Ohio Central Railroad. The excursions listed have been finalized. Several other excursions are still getting the details worked out. To receive the lastest info on the Ohio Central Steam excursion program and details about the operation of our 4-8-4 #6325 and other steam locomotives you can go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ohiocentral6325/ and become a member for free.

Regards,
The Ohio Central Steam Department


2002 excursion schedule

jmjohnson@ohiocentral.com

Hey Jason, I clicked on the link and got a blank page. What gives?

Dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

Another railfan told me that 6325 was in horrendous shape prior to the O.C. rebuilding her. In his description, the engine had been badly gutted and vandalized, so much so, that she resembled many of the park engines that are liberally dispersed about the country. What is the truth of this? Was she a horror that fell into good hands or was she already in fairly good shape? I'd like the get the information from the iron-horse owners mouth.


glueck@saturn.caps.maine.edu

> Hey Jason, I clicked on the link and got a
> blank page. What gives?

> Dave

Dave,

I reloaded the page. Everything seems fine for visitors with MS explorer. Those with Netscape had prblems, I think that is fixed now. Let me know if you are having any other problems.

Jason

2002 excursion schedule

jmjohnson@ohiocentral.com

> Another railfan told me that 6325 was in
> horrendous shape prior to the O.C.
> rebuilding her. In his description, the
> engine had been badly gutted and vandalized,
> so much so, that she resembled many of the
> park engines that are liberally dispersed
> about the country. What is the truth of
> this? Was she a horror that fell into good
> hands or was she already in fairly good
> shape? I'd like the get the information from
> the iron-horse owners mouth.

The 6325 was not in great shape when it arrived. A group in Battlecreek Michigan started the restoration, with good intentions, but had to leave the site that they had been working on the engine ASAP and they were running low on money. They had really no choice but to sell her.

We had to replace all the tubes and flues, build superheaters from scratch, remachine all the running gear, including new crown brass, reprofiling tires, turning axles and crankpins. The boiler got over 200 new staybolts, and 600+ Flannery MB weld on caps. She also received all new plumbing, hundreds of new studs, new jacketing, and countless other parts. This list really doesn't even get close to the amount of work that was done. So she really needed a lot of TLC to get her back on the road, but she is something that we are all proud of at the Ohio Central.

You can go to: http://www.ohiocentralrr.com/shop/6325.html to see the restoration and what she looked like on Day 1.

I hope this answers your questions,
Jason Johnson

6325 restoration

jmjohnson@ohiocentral.com

Would just like to comment that Ohio Central's website is excellent! Very informative.



http://www.railfan.net/cgi-bin/thumb/abprphoto.cgi?/railpix/ABPR/november01/11-23-01/SP4410_00016047.jpg
bobyar2001@yahoo.com

Jason-
As one of the guys that saw it both as it sat there in Coshocton as well as the days near the water plant in Battle Creek, this engine has come a long way. The story is one that could and has been told time and time again across the country; a fairly dedicated group started working on her in Battle Creek; then volunteers ran low and so did money. They were able to secure another Vanderbuilt tender (from the 6312 jason?) from GT, but after the tear down (and the loss of some key "beauty" parts in a storage area that was torn down before they could be removed) it just petered out.

The difference and moral to the story is this: when a saviour did arrive for this engine, they had the foresight to do what was best for the engine, and sell it. Today we have a beautiful operating pocket 4-8-4 to make any GTW fan proud instead of a rusting hulk because of that foresight (and a hefty amount of work and money from OC and its steam shop).

Jason, maybe you could also mention how old you are ;-) From what I learned at the ARM/ TRAIN convention, it may suprise some out there that a guy our age has this king of expertise and interest. It might also give guys and gals like Hays And Angel some solace, too. Guys like Jason are the future of steam today, IMHO.

TJG


Port Huron Museum

peremarquette@hotmail.com

You guys need to meet our Jason who started this month. In his early 20's and very qualified in steam and mechanical and shop skills. Guys like the Jasons and Angel and Hayes (and even TJ) are indeed the future of our industry. Grab an interested kid and give him a job today.

Dave

irondave@bellsouth.net