It was good to see Strasburg's Canadian National O-9a, 0-6-0 #31 up and running this weekend. It sat out all of 2004 to, I believe, extend flue time.
Although not a large or particularly graceful locomotive, 31 has it's admirers, myself being one since the mid 1960s.

I do have a question, which is a sort of a follow up to one that was asked on another thread. There has been a rumor going around that it was "announced" that this will be the last year that this locomotive operates. While I'm sure that there is no substance to this rumor, (in fact, the person who posted it also seriously doubted it), I was wondering if someone from the Strasburg Rail Road could address this. I find it very unlikely that they would do that based on their past history and on the fact that so much time and effort has gone into to restoring and maintaining this locomotive.

I am certain it is frustrating to the directors and staff of the Strasburg Rail Road to constatntly hear rumors like this. I know there was one floating around in September and October of last year that 4-8-0 475 suffered a serious boiler malfunction, and was being retired. Of course, not only was that not true, but 475 was out and running, a few weeks later. The only reason I am wary of this newest rumor is becuase the person who stated it did say he was told this by a Strasburg employee.

Anyway, if someone could address it, I would be very appreciative. I have enjoyed visiting and ridibng on the Strasburg Rail Road many times over the course of my life. The operation is beyond compare.

Sincerely,

Paul Calpin

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LOL I know that skit well! It actually annoyed a lot of people when it first aired, but I think it may be one of the most frequently quoted comedy bits of all time, just because of how true to life it is!

Thank you Kelly. I knew either you or Linn would provide the REAL truth.
I, myself, do know the actual reason why 31's tender was shortened. Tell me, are there any pictures of it anywhere on the web, that you are aware of, of this locomotive with a larger tender? If not perhaps one of a sister O-9a?

Thanks, and great job guys, with everything.

Paul

[June 2009--Linn Moedinger, caught in a moment of weakness, agrees to address the first gathering of TrainOrders users.....]

" . . . I hope you enjoyed the slide show, I'll be happy to take any questions of yours now..."

"Yeah, why did you give a slide show and not a Powerpoint show?"

"Errr.... well, I don't even use a camera. Kelly took the photos, and he was just more comfortable taking slides. Yes, you, sir...."

"When is the Strasburg going to come to its senses and buy the Blue Mountain & Reading steam locomotives?"

"Well, first, they're not on the market, as far as we know, and second, we don't really have use or room for such big locomotives. Yes?"

"But Chessie 614 IS up for sale. You have a responsibility to preserve that majestic locomotive."

"First, it's far too big for the Strasburg's needs; second, it would beat our track to shreds; and third, when is someone else's property my responsibility unless he owes me lots of money? Sheesh. Next?"

"What do you think of the theory that the builders' plates off of 31 were stolen by the United Nations?"

"Next, please?"

"Hello, thanks for coming out, what do you say to the thoughts of installing welded rail on the Strasburg?"

"As soon as you find a way to make it go 'clickety-clack' for our nostalgia-seeking tourists, get back to me. Yes?"

"Are you going to pull that Pennsy 0-6-0 out of the quarry near Birdsboro and use it to replace #31?"

"[Rolls eyes] Get back to me if you ever find it AND it has a valid FRA cab card in it. And you, sir?"

"Hello, sir, I noticed that when you cast new replica plates for #7312, you used the wrong metallic alloy in your casting. I just wondered if--"

"Okay, guys? Can I just say something here? GET A LIFE!!!!!! MOVE OUT OF YOUR PARENTS' BASEMENTS!!!!!!! Dear goodness....... have any of you even kissed a girl?!? There's a whole wide world out there waiting for you!! Get out there! Lose the engineer's caps and patched vests! SHEESH!!!!" [storms off muttering.......]


with apologies to both Mr. Moedinger and the Strasburg staff--and maybe to TrainOrders members as well.......

lol

Thank YOU Alexander Shatner!!!

Live long and prosper.

Paul

Any pointy eared guys in Paradise?

owe me a screen, a keyboard, and another Coke.

JAC

Hey John,

BTW, how would this be for a photo "freight" special. Instead of the traditional approach, perhaps have #31 (perhaps as CN 7312) posing doing heavy yard switching. I got the idea the other week when I saw pictures of her doing some shifting with the newly restored tank car and plow. It could do a lot of heavy switching at the Strasburg Yard, at Leaman Place, possibly up on the OLD track beyond 741, and maybe even in the RRMofPA yard. (of course on the turntable).

This would also be advantageous because the "shoot" could be more controled, since the vast majority of it would be on Strasburg property, and passers by would not feel the need to walk on other people's property. Also, it is unique. I'm sure in other photo ops, the locomotives have done switching of cars for the cameras, but that would be the sole theme this time. An out and out yard switcher, doing some really heavy shifting.

Paul

Paul,

I think it's a fine idea. Send me a flyer when you organize it, I'll happily buy a ticket.

JAC

You just gave Linn, Kelly, and I headaches! Thanks for making us laugh!

I just returned from taking my three-year-old son for his first visit to Strasburg. No. 31 just charmed the socks off of him--he is her new biggest fan. He wouldn't let me leave until the last inch of her tender vanished into the enginehouse for the night.

It was really fun to ride Strasburg again like I did when I was just a boy, only now with my own son. Also fun for Owen to meet his Dad's friend "Conductor Kurt"--Bell, that is.

May I ask?
Just what is "heavy switching"?
Is it dealing out a 125 car train in a classification yard, or puttering around an industrial area spotting cars?

[redacted]

Oh, just my own term I came up with on a whim. Obviously there is no way they could do something that heavy. I just meant more than a couple of cars.

Paul

Paul,

The Strasburg is a well run business. Get a couple of dozen guys together, offer the Rail Road money, and I am sure that if it is safe and feasible, they will accomodate you!

Steve

I'd come see it if it included some kicks and Dutch drops! ;o)