White Mountain Central #4

Frederick G. Bailey · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:53 am **Posts:** 108

Railfan & Railroad's annual survey of operating steam locomotives mentions WMC #4 as getting a new boiler in the Lineside Legacy commentary.

A check of the WMC website says #4's last boiler inspection in 2006 revealed that the old boiler needed all staybolts replaced. It further stated that it had been decided to have Boothbay Railway Village do the boiler work, and a picture essay showed the boiler being lifted off the frame and onto a flatbed truck for the trip to Maine on April 12, 2010.

Anyone know the scoop? Seems interesting that the WMC is having major boiler work performed, or perhaps a new boiler, on a locomotive that their web site says is too small to handle the trains that they regularly operate today.

Who knows? Maybe someday they'll have a new boiler made for their Shay that has been stored for many years with a worn out boiler!

Frederick G. Bailey

robertjohndavis · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:10 am **Posts:** 2499

One the great things about the Clark's is that they like their preserved pieces to actually operate. Even though the Heisler doesn't have the tractive effort of the Climax, it can still perform and it is a key player in the WMCRR special events.

The WMCRR does not get the attention that - I think - it deserves. They are a very small, dedicated team who run and maintain those trains in immaculate condition. One ride with them and you see right through the tourist train veneer to a very real, very proud operation.

Their railfan weekend usually has 3 or 4 steamers and costs about $10. You cannot beat it.

As for the Shay, take a good look at her. The boiler may not be the biggest issue. Not saying she couldn't be restored, but it will be a big job.
Rob

Stephen Hussar · **Posted:** Thu Jun 03, 2010 8:09 pm

The boiler in question is indeed in Maine, but the work is being done in Alna, not at Boothbay -and coming along fine...

Frederick G. Bailey · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:53 am **Posts:** 108

Interesting that the folks in Alna have gotten into doing outside boiler work. How did this come about? What kind of facilities do they have there?

Frederick G. Bailey

Jeff Terry · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 12:18 am **Posts:** 281

I spoke to someone at Clark's back in mid-March about their steam plans for the year. They told me that they hoped to have the Heiser back in service with a new boiler by the end of the year. Perhaps the person I spoke to confused "rebuilt" with "new." A follow-up email confirmed that the Heisler was under repair and planned for operation by the end of the year.

Jeff Terry