Train Festival 2004 Operational Report

August 2, 2004

On behalf of the entire team at the Ohio Central Railroad System, may we extend to all of the railfans who have supported this event a very heartfelt Thank You!

Ohio Central Railroad System President William A. Strawn mentioned a number of times during the event that….”only on the Ohio Central can an event such as this take place.” We have witnessed this past weekend the beginning of a new generation of steam and historic equipment railroading events. This event merely begins the next big wave of even larger events to be held in the next ten years.

Before clearing g up a few operational questions regarding the event, may I take one moment to thank Jason Johnson for his dream and foresight. The event itself was the dream of Jason Johnson. This has been a goal and vision of his for over ten years. To see his dream become a far greater reality than projected is a true accomplishment. Good job Jason!

A few mechanical and operational questions have been presented with-in threads of the Interchange over the past few days. The following comments should resolve all concerns and comments.

Locomotive No 33

It is true that the shop staff and volunteer staff of the Ohio Central have spent an almost incalculable amount of time restoring the 33. The locomotive has been in the shop for less than one year. In that time, the locomotive has received a full running gear rebuild as well as some very extensive boiler work. Save the crown sheet, almost the entire firebox has been replaced. The project has become a true work of art.

My hat is off to all of the individuals that aided in bringing this fine machine back to life. As there is no I in team, you should all understand that naming all of the 40 plus volunteers would take a long time. Suffice to say, we had one of the best, if not the best group of dedicated individuals working on the project.

Since mid June we have been working two shifts daily seven days a week. Many of us have even worked both shifts each day. Our goal was to have the locomotive done by Train Festival. The truth is there were simply not enough hours in the amount of time we had to finish the locomotive. As many of you saw during the Morgan Run Shop tours, the locomotive sits needing nothing more but some paint, a few ash pan pieces and a few other minor parts.

To all that have spent time on the projectÂ…Â….THANK YOU!

33 will run this year. It is scheduled to pull excursions later this fall. We hope to be test running with-in the next two weeks. As the locomotive comes out of the shop may we assure all of you that the locomotive will be 100% compliant with the new rules. It will be a very dependable and serviceable locomotive. Who knows, you may even see her on a few regular freight trains this fallÂ…Â…Â…stay tuned.

1293 In Columbus

Be advised that the Ohio Central Railroad System is dedicated to operating only safe and compliant equipment. We do this for the safety of our crews and our patrons. While being turned late in the morning of Sunday, August 1, 2004, a small leak developed in the left front corner of the inner firebox behind the grates. As it was unclear what was leaking or to what extent, we decided that we would pull the locomotive from service. This was a decision that was hard to make. We feel however, that we erred on the side of safety both for persons and machine. The locomotive is back at Morgan Run and will be back in service as soon as find out what went wrong.

6325 and the Columbus Trip

Please note that the Ohio Central Railroad System has a very good working relationship with the Norfolk and Southern. In fact, we would like to thank the NS for their support of this event as many NS employees have aided in moves and special assignments for the event.

It is noted that we rely on NS to assist the Ohio Central Railroad System in making moves in and around Columbus. Late in the game there arose some questions as to 6325Â’s true ability to be turned in Columbus. Again, safety for the machine and the railroad were issues. It was decided, last minute, that the 6325 would not go to Columbus as a result of these concerns and that 1293 would be substituted.

As far as hot bearings and such on the 6325, this is not nor was not the case in any decision regarding the use of the locomotive during the event. In fact, the locomotive did very well during the entire event and ran many long miles very successfully. We will see more of the locomotive in the future.

Finally, on behalf of the entire steam department of the Ohio Central Railroad System, I would like to thank all of the departments of the OC for the support and efforts made in behalf of this event. Jerry Joe Jacobson has assembled a very fine team of highly qualified employees. My hat is off to each of them for a job well done. A true team of competent railroads can be found on the OC.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the next big eventÂ…Â…..2006!

It was so good to see so many friends, thanks for coming and see you again soon!

Best regards,

John E. Rimmasch
Ohio Central Steam Department

jerimmasch@ohiocentral.com

For what it's worth, the clarification(s) are much appreciated. Judging by the employees my father and I witnessed, as I mentioned in an earlier thread, if one looks up "class" in the dictionary, one will find a PRR-ish logo with an OC in the middle.

If you can stand to talk about a technical issue at this point, is the 6325 turning-issue considered a short-term or long term problem at this point? Does the OC have any places capable of turning her on-site? If OC does, indeed, plan on running comparable and larger steam events over the next ten years (yikes!), would a turning site(s) for locomotives be on the agenda? Most operations, understandably, don't have the resources for a wye(s) or turntable(s) . . . then again, most operations don't have the resources to restore a 4-8-4 and race it along mainline tracks! :)

Congratulations and Thank You,

Jonathan Schneider

> Train Festival 2004 Operational Report

> August 2, 2004

> On behalf of the entire team at the Ohio
> Central Railroad System, may we extend to
> all of the railfans who have supported this
> event a very heartfelt Thank You!

> Ohio Central Railroad System President
> William A. Strawn mentioned a number of
> times during the event that….”only on the
> Ohio Central can an event such as this take
> place.” We have witnessed this past weekend
> the beginning of a new generation of steam
> and historic equipment railroading events.
> This event merely begins the next big wave
> of even larger events to be held in the next
> ten years.

> Before clearing g up a few operational
> questions regarding the event, may I take
> one moment to thank Jason Johnson for his
> dream and foresight. The event itself was
> the dream of Jason Johnson. This has been a
> goal and vision of his for over ten years.
> To see his dream become a far greater
> reality than projected is a true
> accomplishment. Good job Jason!

> A few mechanical and operational questions
> have been presented with-in threads of the
> Interchange over the past few days. The
> following comments should resolve all
> concerns and comments.

> Locomotive No 33

> It is true that the shop staff and volunteer
> staff of the Ohio Central have spent an
> almost incalculable amount of time restoring
> the 33. The locomotive has been in the shop
> for less than one year. In that time, the
> locomotive has received a full running gear
> rebuild as well as some very extensive
> boiler work. Save the crown sheet, almost
> the entire firebox has been replaced. The
> project has become a true work of art.

> My hat is off to all of the individuals that
> aided in bringing this fine machine back to
> life. As there is no I in team, you should
> all understand that naming all of the 40
> plus volunteers would take a long time.
> Suffice to say, we had one of the best, if
> not the best group of dedicated individuals
> working on the project.

> Since mid June we have been working two
> shifts daily seven days a week. Many of us
> have even worked both shifts each day. Our
> goal was to have the locomotive done by
> Train Festival. The truth is there were
> simply not enough hours in the amount of
> time we had to finish the locomotive. As
> many of you saw during the Morgan Run Shop
> tours, the locomotive sits needing nothing
> more but some paint, a few ash pan pieces
> and a few other minor parts.

> To all that have spent time on the
> projectÂ…Â….THANK YOU!

> 33 will run this year. It is scheduled to
> pull excursions later this fall. We hope to
> be test running with-in the next two weeks.
> As the locomotive comes out of the shop may
> we assure all of you that the locomotive
> will be 100% compliant with the new rules.
> It will be a very dependable and serviceable
> locomotive. Who knows, you may even see her
> on a few regular freight trains this
> fallÂ…Â…Â…stay tuned.

> 1293 In Columbus

> Be advised that the Ohio Central Railroad
> System is dedicated to operating only safe
> and compliant equipment. We do this for the
> safety of our crews and our patrons. While
> being turned late in the morning of Sunday,
> August 1, 2004, a small leak developed in
> the left front corner of the inner firebox
> behind the grates. As it was unclear what
> was leaking or to what extent, we decided
> that we would pull the locomotive from
> service. This was a decision that was hard
> to make. We feel however, that we erred on
> the side of safety both for persons and
> machine. The locomotive is back at Morgan
> Run and will be back in service as soon as
> find out what went wrong.

> 6325 and the Columbus Trip

> Please note that the Ohio Central Railroad
> System has a very good working relationship
> with the Norfolk and Southern. In fact, we
> would like to thank the NS for their support
> of this event as many NS employees have
> aided in moves and special assignments for
> the event.

> It is noted that we rely on NS to assist the
> Ohio Central Railroad System in making moves
> in and around Columbus. Late in the game
> there arose some questions as to 6325Â’s true
> ability to be turned in Columbus. Again,
> safety for the machine and the railroad were
> issues. It was decided, last minute, that
> the 6325 would not go to Columbus as a
> result of these concerns and that 1293 would
> be substituted.

> As far as hot bearings and such on the 6325,
> this is not nor was not the case in any
> decision regarding the use of the locomotive
> during the event. In fact, the locomotive
> did very well during the entire event and
> ran many long miles very successfully. We
> will see more of the locomotive in the
> future.

> Finally, on behalf of the entire steam
> department of the Ohio Central Railroad
> System, I would like to thank all of the
> departments of the OC for the support and
> efforts made in behalf of this event. Jerry
> Joe Jacobson has assembled a very fine team
> of highly qualified employees. My hat is off
> to each of them for a job well done. A true
> team of competent railroads can be found on
> the OC.

> Stay tuned for more information regarding
> the next big eventÂ…Â…..2006!

> It was so good to see so many friends,
> thanks for coming and see you again soon!

> Best regards,

> John E. Rimmasch
> Ohio Central Steam Department

ironandsteam@mac.com

My wife and I would like to thank, the Ohio Central Railroad, the Dennison Depot Railroad Museum and the town of Dennison for a great day at TrainFestival 2004. It was apparent that an enormous amount of work was done in preparation for this event. All the equipment on display was beautifully painted and labeled. Even the display area was covered with a new layer of stone. Community support was evident by the number of volunteer organizations that operated several of the stands. There were numerous food vendors with short lines, good food at reasonable prices. The 3 hour train ride and the tour of the Ohio Central shop exceeded all expectations.

We will most remember the volunteers, museum staff, vendors and Ohio Central workers that seem to be everywhere to help or answer questions. It was our impression that TrainFestival 2004 was a quality event for the whole family. There was truly something for everyone young and old alike. We will be back for TrainFestival 2006.

Don and Sharon Hazle
Port Matilda, Pa



dah@psu.edu

Hello John, Jason et all...

Wanted to make a few specific compliments in addition to whats already been mentioned. Besides the "big" things (steam power, vendors, displays etc), alot of the "little" touches were done very well. For example:

-The display area gravel was just the right size for walking.
-Ample bottled water sales throughout the site.
-Colored wristband program was very efficiant.
-Highly visible staff uniform shirts.
-Frequently updated and informative website.
-Community involvement beyond just the museum, the whole area seemed to be "into it".
-Non railroad activites for kids seemed to help "burn off excess energy".

Kudos to your dispatchers/trainmasters for their handling of all the traffic. On staurday with 4 trains in the mix (Columbus train, ORHS train, PRR train and Steam train) things were well-managed and nothing seemed to run noticeably late.

And hey, if in 2006 you have any mechanical issues, take that B&O S1 out on the road, I'd love to hear a 539 engine pull a train out of Dennison!

Dave Crosby

bing@epix.net

> For what it's worth, the clarification(s)
> are much appreciated. Judging by the
> employees my father and I witnessed, as I
> mentioned in an earlier thread, if one looks
> up "class" in the dictionary, one
> will find a PRR-ish logo with an OC in the
> middle.

> If you can stand to talk about a technical
> issue at this point, is the 6325
> turning-issue considered a short-term or
> long term problem at this point?

The issue of turning the locomotive is a very short term issue that will be worked out very soon. We have had conversations with NS even today about a fast resolve to the issue. Again, may I make it very clear that we work very well with NS and without the support of so many people at NS, what we do on our own RR with steam would be far from possible.

Does the OC
> have any places capable of turning her
> on-site?

Part of our reason for going to Newark to turn was that of seeing if the 4-8-4 could turn there or not. We are happy to say that with-in a few months, the OC will take control of a section of RR purchased from CSX in Newark that includes the wye. We can also turn in Coshocton (not the 4-8-4) and we can turn at Mingo Junction, again under NS support. We do have turning options at all points of the OC.

If OC does, indeed, plan on running
> comparable and larger steam events over the
> next ten years (yikes!), would a turning
> site(s) for locomotives be on the agenda?

The future of the program is very bright. We have visions of a number of things. More turning facilities, possibly a roundhouse with a turn table or more. The point is.....we have a very dedicated staff and very supportive main office. If we can dream it up.....we may just do it!

> Most operations, understandably, don't have
> the resources for a wye(s) or turntable(s) .
> . . then again, most operations don't have
> the resources to restore a 4-8-4 and race it
> along mainline tracks! :)

Again, we see bright lights in the tunnel of steam operations. These lights are lines of large steamers puffing their way to the OC to be part of one of if not the best steam shows in the states! Just keep watching......

Warm regards,

John E. Rimmasch
OC Steam

> Congratulations and Thank You,

> Jonathan Schneider


jerimmasch@ohiocentral.com

I want to add my thanks and heartfelt "Atta boy!" to what others have said here. Working with John and Jason on this event was a pleasure from start to finish. I had the honor of running the 6325 on several of her trips, and even ended up serving as the "Roustabout" diesel engineer when we had to move trains around to get power on the opposite ends of the trains for their return trips.

There was an unsung hero at this event, and I may be overstepping my bounds by even mentioning this because the man in question does not seek attention. That man is Ohio Central Trainmaster Denny Varian. Denny has a seemingly unending supply of energy and enthusiasm. He was the man on the ground coordinating all the various switching moves as we shuffled as many as four trains around to position them for their departures. With only a main track and a stub end siding to work with, it took some good moves to make all this happen.

I've said this before on this board and it bears repeating. The Ohio Central Railroad - its owner, officers, employees and volunteers alike - are a CLASS ACT. They are poised to become a major player in the steam business in the east. I look forward to playing a small contributing role in the grand scheme of things as their plans develop.

Oh yes, one more thing. NKP 765 WILL operate on the Ohio Central in 2005.

WIN A BERKSHIRE!
ops@765.org

> There was an unsung hero at this event, and
> I may be overstepping my bounds by even
> mentioning this because the man in question
> does not seek attention. That man is Ohio
> Central Trainmaster Denny Varian.

I was not able to attend Trainfest but I was on a 6325 photo charter last year, and meeting Denny was one of the pleasures of the trip. He is a natural gentleman, happy to talk about the OCHR and explain its operations, enthusiatic about his work. He even opened the front yard of his own trackside home to our mob for a photo runby site. A nicer fellow you could not ask to meet.

eledbetter@rypn.org

> Ohio Central Railroad System President
> William A. Strawn mentioned a number of
> times during the event that….”only on the
> Ohio Central can an event such as this take
> place.” We have witnessed this past weekend
> the beginning of a new generation of steam
> and historic equipment railroading events.
> This event merely begins the next big wave
> of even larger events to be held in the next
> ten years.

Interesting notion..could this represent a sea-change for the possibilities of mainline steam operations?? I'd love to see a similar type of event occur in the Midwest/Intermountain West!!

All we need are some visionary individuals and a willing regional carrier or two....

hi_plain@yahoo.com

> Interesting notion..could this represent a
> sea-change for the possibilities of mainline
> steam operations?? I'd love to see a similar
> type of event occur in the
> Midwest/Intermountain West!!

> All we need are some visionary individuals
> and a willing regional carrier or two....

If you want to do it in the West,here is your opportunity. I have stated for quite awhile that hosting such an event here in Austin is not only possible,but very probable. I need people who are willing to bring their equipment here and operate it . such a steam event would be a boon to our ridership and to the area as well. If there are any interested operators,drop me a line.....

kbcotton@flash.net

I would also like to extend my congratulations and thanks to everyone involved! It is a HUGE undertaking just getting a festival off the ground, much less the labor and cash intensive addition of LIVE and running steam locomotives! I too noticed how the local communities really got into it as well. The motel I stayed at in Dover gave out free newspapers (including the SUNDAY) courtesy of the Ohio Central RR! I especially enjoyed "The Buckeye Route- The Ohio Central Story" book published by the local Dennison publishing house. Well worth the money, the book was very informative and had many many photographs as well as an intimite look at the OC that the average person would probably never see. Bloom's Printing, Inc. deserves some credit for this as well!

Me and my wife came down from Michigan's Thumb and since I had to work Friday, we left Friday after work... well, way later than we wanted to. We got as far as the south side of Detroit when I was just too exhausted. By the time we got to our motel in Dover and started out again, it was too late for anything at the Fest. We did however decide to see where exactly this place was and how to get there. We were greeted by the Pennsy E8s and train (that the one from Columbus?) sitting at the depot. After tooling around Dover and New Philly, we went back to the motel and got up extra early so we made it Sunday at the gate opening. As miracles happen, us two procrastinators made it there at the opening of the gates, got tix for the first train ride, and plenty of that awesome lemonade to go around! As we rode that first excursion, our car (5010 I beleive) was only about 1/3 full. I'm not sure how the rest of the train was, but I did notice that as the trips went on, they did seem at capacity. Maybe we got lucky, either way, we had the chance to switch sides of the aisle to see both sides of the tracks. Man, we loved hearing that lonely steam whistle. It felt like we were back in the '40's!

After the ride and brushing off the coal soot (learned my lesson when (2)765 visited Lima back in '93), we enjoyed the Buckingham Track Lining Gang, all the displays, the lemonade, the cab tours, meeting TWO people local to MY home area, including one working the Sunday AM steam run, pizza at the pizza joint across from the Depot, oh yeah, and the lemonade! I've never been to that part of Ohio before, and having lived in Lima for just over a year, thoroghly enjoyed the rolling hills and personality that East Central Ohio has!

I once again wish to thank everyone involved, especially Jerry Jacobson for his generosity of allowing us to enjoy this event, and Jason Johnson, who can take a nice long, well-earned vacation now that it's all over! Good job guys! We're looking forward to 2006!!

Dave Jandron
EOT-CSX's PH&D Ind. Tk.

Michigan Transit Museum