Folks, on August 8, Saturday, the Mt. Rainier Scenic will run three steam locomotives, including newly rebuilt and very rare Willamette No. 2. They have had a fire in her for the first time in many years. A Willamette is identical to a Shay, but built by the Willamette works in Oregon. This will be an all day event with lunch served. Check out their website at http://www.mrsr.com/ 2-8-2T No. 17 and Climax No.10 will also operate. Departure at 2:30 PM and return at 7:30. Photo runbys, BBQ. I was thinking while being that close, why not go down to Chehalis on Sunday and ride one of the 1PM or 3PM rides with Harold and No. 15? http://www.steamtrainrides.com on the Chehalis-Centralia Steam operation.
You Guys in the Northwest have all the FUN.....:tb-hissyfit: The only steam I ever get to see is from my Spousal Unit when I do something Stupid...often. :tb-ooh:
Oops. I don't want to even know what that sounds like.... Might make a whistle or pop valve sound more toward a whisper! Boxcab E50
Oh Boy, Hank, me and mine are on outs right now. It's like a refrigerator in the house. Hopefully things will improve tomorrow. :tb-sad:
I wish. We had such a hard time nailing down a weekend for our two night trip, and it is the same weekend, that I am loath to move the other trip. I will simply have to catch the Willamette another time. It's a real bear making it to anything when one's spouse owns and operates a retail business that is still in the building up capital phase.
I hope so, Jim. Spouses who tolerate Steam are easier to live with than those who just STEAM...:tb-biggrin:
I just heard this from Brian Wise of MRSR, as posted on a logging list I am on: "I've just posted a new update to the web site regarding the latest and greatest news regarding the Willamette project. Long story short, we lit a fire in it today for the first time in over 40 years. The steam pressure was slowly brought up to around 75 pounds before we shut her down for the evening. We blew any debris out of the throttle stand, dry pipe and superheater header, and checked the boiler over for any issues. With the exception of one new stud that needs to be re-done, and a leak at the throttle stand connection, the boiler and all of its fittings are exceptionally tight. A true credit to the hard work of everyone involved." :thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up:
This event must have gotten more publicity than usually happens up here. I tried to get a motel room in Morton and they are booked for the weekend. Chehalis, too. I ended up getting the last available room at the "Hobo Inn" in Elbe, which I assume is that string of old passenger cars there where the MRSR used to depart until the bridge got washed out. :tb-sad:
I have heard about it also in logging and logging modeler circles, so, yes, I think it must be getting quite a bit of publicity. Just about every logging history buff on the West Coast is either going to this or is sending their regrets that they cannot make it this time, but maybe some other time.
Ken, when you put quotes around "room" I get worried. Can you shed more light on this place? I have never stayed there. :tb-confused:
Sorry everyone, rumor has it that all steam excursions in Western Washington has been canceled due to the high temps, and fire hazards!!
Better to postpone the steam excursion and not have a fire. While this is a disappointment and an inconvenience, setting the woods on fire is only fun in that old Hank Williams song.
Hold on there. The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad's own website says: IMPORTANT SCHEDULE UPDATE! July 30th to August 2nd - ALL TRAINS ARE CANCELLED. So far, no cancellations for the following weekend.
It's all up to the weather. If it stay's dry like this, Western Washington is going' to be scary for the forest service, and all firefighters, and medics alike!
I just have a hard time envisioning a caboose as a room. Even though many have ended their careers by moving to such a status. Boxcab E50
For the most part, steam engines should be fairly safe. They are usually operating in summer months when quite dry. But there are other ways for passing trains to start fires. I hope everyone is carefully watching their equipment on the main lines..... Boxcab E50