It was almost an 8hr day out at the shop today, as 6 members spent the time switching equipment around, getting it in place for the coming season, and to get some work done as well.? The movements started just after 10am and wrapped up around 3pm, but by the end of the day, everything was repositioned where it needed to be. At the end of 2015 we were able to move equipment between 2 of the 3 shop tracks. It was functional, but does need some work. This was an even bigger test of the track as the electric weighs in at about 50tons, and there were multiple back and forth movements involved.
First move, shove the boxcar to the end of the tail track.
Jim, Wayne, Garry and Aaron remove the bars to switch the track.
The number 8?turnout is a bit odd in construction. In order to get done what needed to be done, it was constructed with 100lb rail and?interlaced 8ft ties. There are no points, as it’s a different form of a stub switch.? The tail track is barred/bolted to the route to be used. When the other track is needed, the bars?are removed, the track moved over and the?bars reapplied.? Yes, it is a very time consuming job, but it is functional.? In 2016 it will?have 16’6″ points added to?make things easier.
CN working the main line.
CN 2246 a 2006 built GE, passes our 1948 GE.
It was a pretty busy day for train traffic as well.? First up was a CN which came into Fort Erie, set out in the yard, then took it’s 3 6axle units and 6 boxcars of shingles over to the lumber transload off Gilmore Rd. It was an interesting comparison of a modern, 2006 built GE, with our 1948 built GE. After that came a CP heading to the US with another GE, followed by a westbound CP ethanol train lead by yet another GE. Final train was the NS transfer.
Westbound CP with 2002 built GE 9717.
Westbound CP with CP 2001 built GE 8605 and CEFX 2004 built GE 1055.
The NS transfer lead by GM 3311 (with a CP GE in the consist).
It was neat to see all the trains that went through this day had GE power in the consist. This was also the first time that Hydro Electric Power Commission E-7 (Ex-Inco 102) was outside since it was moved into the shop some 5yrs ago. E-7 posed for some pics with the GE and Plymouth.
HEPC E-7 in the sun.
The GE, Electric and Plymouth outside together for the first time.
The train before shoving back into the shop.
The weather was fantastic for doing all this work, and it sets us up right where we need to be for this display season. The GE performed very well and handled the job with ease.? There is still some minor work to do on the GE, and that will continue over the summer.
This week we also received a few more items from Fred Mills, the donor of the live steam Pacific. We were able to get copies of a few of his personal pictures, such as the Niagara Falls Car Department from 1942 to 1986 (when Fred retired), along with the picture of the retirees in 1986.? Fred also very generously donated a clock he received when he retired.? We look forward to having all these items on display at the shop this year. Fred is a 3rd generation railroader,? his Grandfather Frederick Mills?worked on the GTR as a Baggageman in Niagara?Falls, his father, Wilfred Mills worked for the New York Central as a Yard Clerk, and?Fred himself spent 40yrs with the CN as a Carman at Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls CN Car Department group shot from 1942 to 1986.
The early retirees in 1986. Fred is 3rd from the right.
One of Fred’s retirement gifts.
Fred with CN 6060 at Niagara Falls.
A big thanks to our members who came out to help get this very important work done, Jim, Wayne G., Garry, Aaron, Ken and Ken. The Museum is a very complex plan, and every bit of help we are able to get is of great benefit to us.? We are always looking for new members who want to get involved with the many projects we have on the go. And remember, the Niagara Railway Museum Inc. is a Charitable Organization registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.? We are able to offer Charitable tax receipts for donations received. Come out and see us in 2016, lots going on and lots more to come.