New Hope and Ivyland #40 - Almost Ready to Go

David Notarius · **Posted:** Fri Dec 23, 2011 7:34 pm

Nice photo of the 40 Mitch. I used to live up the hill from that bridge at Hood crossing. Here's anoth nice little Christmas shot of the 1533 from 1967, again on a freight. Lets hope to see the 1533 & the 40 will be doubleheading sometime soon! Happy Holidays folks - David Notarius, london UK, ex New Hope Pa

junior · **Posted:** Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:59 pm

Steve Freer wrote:

Let's add Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to that list! #610 completed 21 seasons of operation in late 2010. TVRM hasn't been "steam-less" since....well I don't know. #630 ran from 1979 through 1989 (plus #722 in '84 & '85) while #610 'picked up' in 1990. Prior to 1979, the "Flying Duchess" and "3-Spot" had been running periodically...not to mention #4501 when in Chattanooga between SR assignments. To be honest, I don't think there has been any year since 1971 when the museum (East Chattanooga) was dedicated that TVRM has been "steam-free" for an extended period. Of course #630 was re-introduced early in 2011. If nothing else, 1979 through 2011 equals 32 successive years with 2-8-0's.

BTW: NH&I #1533 was the first steam I rode behind...unless it was BR&W #60 or MCC #385. Not to 'dis' NH&I, but prior to #40's reentry to service they had been without steam for a number of years, no?

Ok, so that's 5 tourist roads out of how many (including Valley RR)?... but again, TVRM and VRR had multiple steam locos to work with like SRR...NH&I has had one and only one since 1991 to use for their 7 day a week, 7-9 trips per day operation. That's why I pointed out the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad since they have only one to work with as well. And yes, NH&I was without steam from 1985 through 1991. (though 40 was fired up for Christmas Trains in 1986, that's not a full season)

For NH&I's embattled history, it is a significant record and again, should 1533 be restored at some point, its future should be secure.

SouPac · **Posted:** Sat Dec 24, 2011 4:15 pm

Mt. Rainier Scenic has been in steam for every year of its 30 year history. Currently have a stable of 4 operable steam locomotives, and in 2012 I hope we will add two more to the list. Come out and see us sometime!

Stathi

David Notarius · **Posted:** Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:39 am

Slightly off topic, but, what is the status of Mount Rainer number 5 and 70? Even more off topic, there is a beautiful photo of the Porter number 5 lightly steaming in the morning mist, on the wall of a seafood restaurant in Kalamata Greece, along with one of the 4449, and the Queen Mary. This was going back a few years, the wall was full of photos of Greek narrow gauge steam locomotive, Athens Metro wooden cars and fishing boats. These 3 where the only non Greek photos. I gave then a B&W photo of NH&I 40 & Black River & Western 60 for ther wall, but they never where put up. Have fun - David Notarius, London UK, ex New Hope Pa & ex Platsa Greece.

SPpacificfan · **Joined:** Tue Apr 06, 2010 2:19 pm **Posts:** 58

MRSR's Polson Logging #70 is opreational, saw her during the NRHS convention in June along with the world's only opreating Willamette locomotive. 2-8-2T #17 was in the shops when I was there, and Stathi has a little 0-4-0 he's restoring that should be finished soon. I have no clue when #5 if and will be done.

bigjim4life · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2011 11:32 pm

Here is video of #40 in action this past Friday, 12/23. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s14ude2c ... e=youtu.be

co614 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:25 pm

Thanks Big Jim for the video. Glad to report that it was a pleasure being her engineer that day as she ran flawlessly and easily handled the 6 car consist without any strain.

I'm confident she'll give many many trouble free days now that all the work has been done.

Happy New Year to all!

Ross Rowland

David Notarius · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2011 11:34 pm

Nice video of the 40 Jim. Got any operating shots of the 1533 stashed away? Thanks - David Notarius, London UK