Engineer for a day...

[Miketherailfan]

Yep, that's what I was on the 6th, being a engineer for an hour at Williams Grove, PA. The locomotive I got to operate was the Pennsy's last operating steamer, 0-6-0 #643. I'll let the photos do the talkin'.

http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/HPIM1818.jpg

http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/HPIM1821.jpg

http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/HPIM1822.jpg

http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/HPIM1825.jpg

Me at the throttle
http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/HPIM1851.jpg

http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/HPIM1852.jpg

http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/HPIM1853.jpg

http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/HPIM1854.jpg

Link to some video...
http://www.dailymotion.com/Miketherailfan/video/xa26g_williams-grove-862006

[ssw]

Is it me or is there no lagging or jacketing on that boiler?

I wish I could find a program like that somewhere around here.

[Miketherailfan]

Exactly right, at the time they were still planning on putting jacketing on the boiler.

Let's just say they're a bit slow on doing that... ;)

[Pennsyduplex]

Awesome pics, and a great Pennsy steamer! :) How did you get at the throttle of her, is there a thing where you pay to do it or do you know someone there, because that must have been pretty awesome to be at the throttle.

[Miketherailfan]

John, the next time the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association is holding engineer school is August 27th-September 4th. It's $75 for a 1/2 hour of driving, but you can purchase another 1/2 hour and add to the fun.

Their website is www.wghsea.org

[jay611]

http://forums.railfan.net/Images/AllTourist/HPIM1851.jpg

Looks like your hats on fire <BG>

EDIT: I just noticed this, but why does it have two turbos?

Jason Underwood
Newport News, Virginia
CSX Peninsula Sub MP.16
jay611@cox.net

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/jay611/OneLastTimeBaby.jpg

[FURX]

Haha! Good ole' Carl!

I asked him about the dynamos (dynamo, not turbo), and he says he'll have to ask. One is clearly on, and generates dc power for the lights... the other appears not to be running.-Jeffrey

[B32BWH]

Looks like you had a bunch of fun! I have run a few diesels in my life, but i have to say, there is nothing as rewarding as running a steam engine. I myself have done one of those be an engineer programs before, and i have volunteered for one (what can i say, i love carrying wood 1/4 mile...) and they are the best ever, and its almost aas rewarding to watch a grandfather bring his grandson (and in somecases grandaughter) to one of these events and see the expressions on there faces, along with there actions. Thats what the be an engineer programs are all about.

[inflammable]

Can you be the fireman? or do they not charge for that?

James