Pennsylvania Railroad Steam

m3ohwell · **Posted:** Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:25 pm

Williams Grove, Mechanicsburg, PA. PRR. B-4 #643 soldiers on.
Ed K. cp Laurel Run

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggAK1pdaT-4

Ed Kapuscinski · **Posted:** Thu Jul 23, 2009 2:53 pm

Yep. Who would've thunk it?

But she's a real treat. They even let you run her.
http://wghsea.org/run643.aspx

Dave · **Posted:** Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:13 am

Why 2 dynamii?

dave

Dougvv · **Joined:** Sat Aug 21, 2004 10:52 pm **Posts:** 914

Dave wrote:

Why 2 dynamii?

dave

To power the electric motor that drives the worm and worm gear? <grin>

Doug vV

Jim Robinson · **Posted:** Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:35 am

As I recall the 2nd generator is used (or at least was used) to light the passenger cars. Also 1 of the generators has an automotive alternator added on to supply power for the two way radio. The alternator is in that box atop the turbogenerator, visable in the photo. It is driven off the turbogen shaft with a v-belt and pulleys.

Things are looking good at Williams Grove these days with quite a bit of the equipment (including 643) and various railroad structures in fresh paint.

Also, for the first time in many years, a new piece of railroad equipment has arrived at Williams Grove in the form of a second ex-PRR cabin car. This steel N5 cabin car came from the East Penn Ry. and is in pretty good condition. The car's interior is being restored to that of an "in-service working caboose" (with all the details that go along with that description) by WGHSEA member Terry Nesbit. Eventually the new caboose will join the group's N6b wooden cabin car in passenger service.

As with each year, the primary event for the WGHSEA is coming up for Aug 30th thru Sept 7th (Labor Day). This is the annual "Steam Engine Celebration", a large showing of operating antique steam and gas powered machinery of all kinds. The event is at its peak in terms of things to see (and in the size of the crowds) over the 3 days of Labor Day Weekend. Of course, train rides (including cab rides on 643) are available during the event.

Regards,
Jim Robinson

Mike Stillwell · **Posted:** Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:20 am

Quick question - Is Williams Grove a loop or an out and back with no turning operation? The video shows what looks to be a dead end. Thanks!

Mike Stillwell
Buena Vista, VA.

Jim Robinson · **Posted:** Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:47 am

Mike Stillwell wrote:

Quick question - Is Williams Grove a loop or an out and back with no turning operation? The video shows what looks to be a dead end. Thanks!

Mike Stillwell
Buena Vista, VA.

It's an out and back operation, around a mile in length, layed out in sort of a big horseshoe.. Original plans dating to the early 1960's called for a loop in which the current track would extend around to its beginning. That loop would have been around 2 miles in lenght (same as today's out and back round trip).

Regards,
Jim Robinson

m3ohwell · **Posted:** Fri Jul 24, 2009 10:43 am

Now all we need to do is convince them to paint the open cars, the N6b into an authentic PRR. paint.
Ed K. cp Laurel Run

prr643 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 4:31 pm **Posts:** 69

Hey all,

Thanks for the interest in 643!

We do intend on finishing the paint job on both cabin cars, as time and crew permits. We are aware they both need paint, but unfortunately our crews are small so things move slower then we would like. If anyone wants to join up and help out we always welcome new faces. We have a lot of fun, and play with big toys. I'm out at trainfest this weekend in Owasso (rode the Daylight, in a word, awsome!). If anyone sees me say Hi, I always love to chat trains, I'll be here through Saturday, heading back to central PA Sunday morning.

Tom von Trott