Yreka Western's SD9 #439 is on the way I should be in Yreka at the Depot for its arrival! Any pictures of the 439's venture?
A little "fly in the ointment" regarding the kick-off of the Blue Goose Steam Excursion. Due to FRA regulations regarding changing the track classification from 'excepted' rails to class 1 rails, we will not be able to transport passingers for at least 10 days. We will likely start on June 14. In the mean time, we will be running freight with #19 on weekends for the next two weeks. Come on out and get some good photos!
Oooohhh, now that sounds cool!! I'm not much of a fan for passenger stuff but a steamer on a freight... gosh I wish I could make it up there.
I got back into the 'swing' of things again and took ol' 19 out to Montague yesterday, pulling two Harriman coaches and the caboose. Felt strange at first but sort of like getting on a bicycle after a few years. Only problem that we had was we ran out of fuel while switching around in Montague. Had 1K gals of diesel trucked out to us so that we could get home. Today is the grand opening for the Blue Goose, even though we can't begin passenger service yet.
And, ladies and gentelmen, that would look like this: That's great news, Bill! Is the "Engineer for an hour" thing going to happen?
What an ugly mug that guy has! He looks like a real hog-head! Jim .. as far as I know, that will still be an option at a later date. Right now the management is trying to get the Blue Goose operation in a position of running smoothly. Keep an eye on the YWRR's website.
Hog Head Mug Well, you are a real hog-head, Bill. :shade: Great time running with you today. Can't wait for the passenger Blue Goose. Larry YW Fireman
Thanks Larry. You did a great job at the oil pin! I ended the day by steam cleaning #19 and getting it ready to paint. Today's run (4th) has been scrubbed. Everyone is too tired and beat up and we thought we'd take a day off!
Trax- Welcome To TrainBoard! Am looking forward to any and all reports, from you and Bill. Maybe even a few photos? Boxcab E50
Thanks, Boxcab. I'd been lurking as a guest from time to time. Bill convinced me to join. What's been wonderful about the Yreka Western is the flux of energy, enthusiasm, volunteers and expertise. When I laid eyes on the 19 a month ago, stripped of jacket, lagging, rods, piping, appliances, doors and floor, I said, "No Way!" Bill even said there was twice as much work to do as time to do it in. But, then it all came together. I spent Memorial Day weekend building new doors (those funny white things at the front of the cab -- Bill primed them but we haven't gotten them painted black yet.) A group of volunteers fixed the steps and some other damage on the caboose. Bill, Luke, Joan, more volunteers and YW people worked long and hard on putting the 19 back in working condition. And suddenly, there it was...ready to roll. Saturday, myself and Jerry, another volunteer, arrived at 0700 and got started hostling. I had some trouble getting the fire going. Now, it's been 6 years since I'd fired the 19, but I've hostled the Sumpter Valley 19 (very similar to the YW 19) many times in those years, and fired the McCloud 18 (sister to the YW 19) on and off for the past three years. Only later did I learn that they'd run out of fuel in Montague on Friday and put 1000 gallons of diesel in the tender. Well, live, learn...and boil water. The 19 steamed well after I got the diesel fuel issue worked out. Oh there were a few cases of "smoke for the photographers" and "mosquito abatement." :wink2: (hmmmm, all kinds of kewl little smileys to choose from!) The run to Montague and back went well and brought back pleasant memories of firing six years ago. On another note, I read of laments for the abandonment of the McCloud's Burney Line and the sale of the MR 18. Well, here's a chance for the railfan community to ensure the success of another northern California shortline steam operation. See ya in Yreka...SOON. Larry Yreka Western Fireman PS One of the drawbacks of working on a steam locomotive (yeah, there's one or two) is the lack of photo ops. I hope some other folks can provide some good pictures of the YW train and the people associated with it.
