From the email


DUE TO MECHANICAL ISSUES WE HAVE HAD TO CANCEL THE RETURN OF STEAM FOR 2018 OUT OF CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR PASSENGERS AND CREWS.

***IF YOU ORDERED TICKETS FOR ANY STEAM POWERED EVENTS YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE RAILROAD WITHIN THE NEXT 2 DAYS***

They were planning to use Jeddo Coal #85, one of the Grambling's engines, this coming weekend and week. Rather more of an alarmist cancellation notice than I would have gone with, it wouldn't make a casual rider want to re-book tickets for their family.

Something happen with #85?

Must have, but I can't find anything. It was on Walkersville Southern Memorial Day.

It was just at the Oil Creek & Titusville this past weekend. I notice in one video online that only Viscose 6 was operating.

According to a follow up email the company sent out:

"Due to a serious mechanical issue encountered by Gramling Locomotive Works at their prior engagement we will be unable to run steam powered trains on 6/30, 7/1, 7/7 and 7/8. "

Glad I got to see Mack in Wakersville on Memorial Day Weekend.

Anyone hear anything more on this?

I have received several calls from individuals wondering what happened to Jeddo Coal 85 so I thought I'd set things straight as ive been told a wide range of what others have heard. Friday night 85 suffered an overheated axle at the end of its trip with Viscose 6 on the Oil Creek and Titusville railroad.
On Saturday morning when things were cool we looked it over and added some more grease and some Kool-ax to the offending journal hoping that it would settle down. part way into the morning trip it started to warm up again,so the engine was set out and on further inspection it seems the previous night's adventure caused more trouble than initially thought.
Unable to make it run cool it stayed in Titusville under steam giving cab tours and demonstrations for those waiting to ride the rest of the trips.
Allentown and Auburn was contacted and in talking with them i felt it was best to take the engine home to the shop and get it straightened out as i felt it wasn't in a condition to properly fulfill its commitments to the A&A,which could cause more damage to the locomotive or maybe even strand a train load of passengers, which is not something one would want to do.
I am disappointed that we will not be there but wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the A&A for their understanding and support in doing what we thought was best for all, people and equipment included. As I type this 85 in in the shop going up on the jacks tommorrow to assess and start the required repairs to make it ready to go again. So in conclusion it is not a major problem but a very aggravating one with bad timing for those wanting to ride behind it on the A&A. Its also not the first time an engine has had a hot axle,I can think of several others big and small that have had the same problem, and as long as there are plain bearings, it will more than likely happen again to some engine, somewhere, sometime. Thank you for your concern and hope to see you trackside soon
Barney

Barney,

Thanks for coming on here with the real story. Most appreciated!

Rick

" Thank you for your concern and hope to see you trackside soon
Barney"

Indeed/

There'll be some money for tickets when you return.

Very glad to hear this is nowhere near as alarming as the emails suggested.

Best of luck with the assessment and repairs. While your frustration is understandable, everyone appreciates your commitment to safe and practical operations.

Nice to get an injection of anti-foam!