Strasburg shop tour

LV 601 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 22, 2016 8:03 pm

Was in the area for the York TCA show so I purchased a ticket for the shop tour on Wednesday. A very interesting and informative tour of the equipment and what they can do. As a retired machinist I was really impressed witn the tight tolerances they can hold on such large pieces using older equipment. The Strasburg Railroad has a very talented group of skilled craftsmen working for them that can make almost anything needed for a railroad. I would recommend this tour for anyone who has cut chips before.

TrainWatcher · **Posted:** Sun Oct 23, 2016 7:40 pm

Took my ex-girlfriend back last Easter. Quite the talent that organization has.

fairmontdave · **Posted:** Mon Oct 24, 2016 6:33 am

The shop tour is the best! I've been riding the train since I was 2 (born in Lancaster) and that is good, but pretty much the same. The best thing about the shop tour is that you have different guides, and their perspective and the information is different than others. A machinist as tour guide gives a different tour than the head of the wood shop...... and that is fascinating. The last time I did the tour it was hosted by the event coordinator who sets up the Thomas and Steam Punk events, etc and his tour was different from the others...again a different viewpoint and very informative!!

Earl Knoob · **Posted:** Mon Oct 24, 2016 8:04 am

For the real "hard core" types, we also have a "Hostler Tour" where you spend the morning hanging around the guy who services and prepares the locomotive for service. It too is a guided tour with the tour guide explaining what is going on and giving you a nice lesson in steam locomotive mechanics.

It's a neat deal.

Earl

Ron Muldowney · **Posted:** Mon Oct 24, 2016 8:12 am

I take the shop tour whenever I am out in the area. It is well worth the cost and I enjoy seeing the different projects that the railroad is doing for other companies and people all over the country. The shop is currently being expanded. I have to agree with the others that you get a different perspective with different tour guides and their position at the railroad. I would rather take the tour than to ride the train!!

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

Bobharbison · **Joined:** Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:42 pm **Posts:** 3011

Kelly Anderson wrote:

Ground was officially broken last Friday for the shop expansion to increase floor space by 65%, leading to greater productivity and better turnaround times on projects when compared to the "sardine can" conditions we currently endure.

Kelly, I realize you work on far more projects at a time than just about any other operation. I do have to laugh though at your "sardine can" reference, as I suspect that many a tourist railroad would love to have a shop as "tiny" as your current one.

Also, looks like the new shop will affect the Cagney operation, what's the line relocation look like?

bigjim4life · **Posted:** Mon Oct 24, 2016 12:28 pm

Kelly, if I may ask - what's going to happen to the Cagney track between the two buildings? Will it be re-located? Or will the Cagney run be shortened on that end?

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

bigjim4life · **Posted:** Mon Oct 24, 2016 2:24 pm

Kelly Anderson wrote:

It is ironic, and I realize that by most tourist line standards our shop is gigantic, but looking just now, we currently have twenty active projects in the shop (and others pending) that belong to other operations, in addition to our own equipment. The other's projects range in size from overhauling one safety valve to two complete locomotives and two more loose boilers.

Kelly, speaking of which, do you have an estimated date of when we will get our next installment of the shop updates? I look forward to seeing them every time they get posted. :)

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

R.L.Kennedy · **Joined:** Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:37 pm **Posts:** 242

"Directors ham it up for camera"

That guy second from right in red shirt is going to take a lot of razzing!

Howard P. · **Posted:** Tue Oct 25, 2016 12:20 pm

Just one? You ARE good.

Howard P.
Swamped, Conn.