Branch Line News/December 2019 Recap
Welcome back to Branch Line News, your summarized (fan run) news source for train related topics!
Note from the Writer: I would like to apologize for the lack of posts recently, Christmas Break has been very hectic for me. I found a lot of stories I wanted to include, but unfortunately ran out of time. So in case you missed these stories, here's your December 2019 Recap.
New Home for Taffy Tank 6695
Great Western Railway 6695, a member of the 5600 "Taffy Tank" class, has recently found a new heritage railway to call home. No. 6695, built in 1928, and is one of hundreds of locomotives to survive into preservation by being sent to the Woodham Scrapyard, better known as Barry Island in 1964, according to a Facebook post announcing the move.
6695 was originally based at the Swanage Railway and was unfortunately damaged at a gala on the West Somerset Railway in 2015. On December 5, 2019, the Swindon & Crickdale Railway announced that they were teaming up with 6695 Locomotive Limited, who are caretakers and owners of the engine, according to the S&CR's Facebook post.
The Swindon & Crickdale Railway is a 4 1/2 mile long heritage railway that runs from Hayes Knoll to to Taw Valley Halt, according to their website, and was founded in 1978. Once 6695 arrives, she will be restored to operation and become the main motive power for the S&CR, while the S&CR works to restore their main steam locomotive "Spartan," a Polish industrial 0-6-0. Other locomotives based on the S&CR include "Swordfish," an Andrew Barclay 0-6-0 and several diesel locomotives, most notably Class 73 No. E6003 "Sir Herbert Walker" (part of a class which can run on direct electric and diesel power) and a Class 207 "Thumper" class of Diesel Multiple Unit built in the 1950's.
6695 will be joining a sibling when she arrives on the railway. The S&CR are currently loaning 5619 built in 1924, which is owned by Telford Steam Railway, who loan 5619 out because their line is not long enough to be economical to run. Like 6695, 5619 survived because she was sent to Barry Island, according to the Telford Steam Railway's website.
No new updates have been given since the announcement, but you can follow the story by following the 6695 Locomotive Ltd and Swindon & Crickdale Railway on their respective social media accounts.
Canadian National 6520 Gets Repainted
A historic locomotive livery can now be seen again on a locomotive. Rapido Trains, a Canadian based model train company teamed up with the West Coast Railway Association, a nonprofit that works to preserve Canada's rail history.
The engine in question, FP9 class No. 6520, was built for the Canadian National Railway, and eventually worked for Via Rail Canada when the CN stopped running passenger trains, according to a video released by Rapido Trains. 6520 was restored to operation in 2015, but needed cosmetic work before she could be returned to service, according to the WCRA's website.
Rapido Trains, along with Jeff Birmingham, stepped in to cover the cost, and asked the WCRA to paint 6520 into her original CN livery which railfans dubbed the "Wet Noodle" due to the white and black stripes along the side of the engine. The livery was apart of CN's 1961 rebranding (considered the most successful corporate rebranding) and despite, according to Rapido Trains, being used for more than 20 years, no locomotive in preservation has worn the livery, until now.
You can see 6520 in her new paint by clicking the YouTube link here:
KR Models Reveals First GT3 Prototype
KR Models, a relatively new company to the model train industry, recently revealed a running model of their GT3 Gas Turbine locomotive. The GT3 is the first model to be released by KR Models. Founded by Keith Revall, KR Models' Mission Statement is to produce models of locomotives that have never been produced before, or bring older models no longer produced back into production.
The UK based model train company started boldly by announcing their first model of the GT3 for OO Gauge. The GT3 began construction in the 1950's and was finished in 1960, according to the Vulcan Foundry Newton-le-Willows website. The numbering was due to Vulcan Gas Turbine prototype being the 3rd ordered by British Railways.
The GT3 would remain a prototype and was eventually scrapped. KR Models' GT3 model is the first model of the prototype to ever be produced. KR Models revealed their running prototype at the Warley Model Railway Exhibition in 2019.
Hornby Models was loaned a model by KR Models, and you can see a video of the model running here:
Hoosier Heartland Volunteers Visit Fellow Trolley Preservationists
Sometimes in the Train Preservation world politics and egos get in the way of organizations working together. So when groups do work together, it feels appropriate to bring it to light.
The Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Indiana's 20th Century electric railway system, according to their website, recently visited another trolley preservation group to learn from the volunteers working on Chicago, Lake Shore & South Bend interurban No. 73. (Editor's Note: Regretfully a name for the group could not be found, so for clarity they will be referred to as the 73 Group).
Built in 1908 for the predecessor of the modern South Shore Line, No. 73 is a wooden body Trolley that has had a very interesting past. In 1909 No. 73 was involved in a head on collision but was rebuilt and continued to work hauling passengers until 1926/7 when she was demoted to maintenance, as more modern steel body cars came into service, according to the 73 Group's Facebook Page.
During the Great Depression, when Interurban/Trolleys were declining, No. 73 was converted into a home, where it sat in Michigan City, Indiana. In 1994, No. 73 was ready for demolition, but was saved by Tom Mendenhall and his two sons Ricky and Vince just before it was to be demolished.
Mr. Mendenhall and his wife have overseen the restoration of Car 73, where 80% of the restoration work has been completed, according to the page's "Our Story" section.
In many ways the Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co. are kindred spirits to the 73 Group. The HHTC. were formed in 2018 and saved several trolley cars from the Indiana Transportation Museum when they were evicted (you can read more about this situation by reading our article The Future of the ITM).
One of the items the HHTC saved was Union Traction Company of Indiana No. 429, named "Noblesville." No. 429 was withdrawn in 1941 and became an office for a gravel pit company, and later was stored out of sight at the Indiana Transportation Museum.
Now, 429 "Noblesville" is on the path to restoration, which is predicted to take 5 years with a 10 person team and approximately $450,000 in funding, according to the "Electrify 429" page of the HHTC's website.
On December 8, 2019, members of the HHTC's shop volunteers visited the restoration of No. 73 to learn techniques from the very experienced craftsmen. According to the HHTC, No. 73 is similar in the interior to another one of their trolleys, Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern No. 81, also saved from the ITM's 2018 eviction.
"Collaborations such as this one are enabling the revival of Indiana’s world famous electric railway heritage," stated the HHTC's Facebook post. The HHTC watched as the 73 Group worked, and noted that they worked to restore No. 73 with original material and techniques.
Hopefully both No. 73 and 429 "Noblesville" will be fully restored. It is unclear if No. 73 will be restored to operation, and if so where the Trolley will run. No. 429 "Noblesville" will run at Headwaters Junction, an initiative being lead by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, owners of the world famous Nickel Plate Road 765.
You can read more details on 429 "Noblesville"'s future home here.
No. 643 "The King" Update
Readers who have been following Branch Line News will be familiar with this story, but in case you are not a quick recap. The Age of Steam Roundhouse acquired the Bessemer & Lake Erie No. 643, nicknamed "The King," and are currently moving the engine from Pennsylvania to their museum in Ohio.
Age of Steam have been updating the public with posts on their social media. In their most recent updates, The King's boiler has been removed from the frame on site to make the engine more easy to transport. The King will be transported in pieces via road hauled by a semi truck. When the day comes, you can be sure that many train enthusiasts will be out to catch her historic move to her forever home.
Back at home base, The King's tender continues to see work in the Age of Steam's workshop. On December 20th, Age of Steam released a photo showing that the "Doghouse" (the term for a small shelter built to protect brakeman from the weather).
You can check out both photos by visiting the Age of Steam Roundhouse on Facebook or Twitter.
That concludes the December 2019 recap. What restoration are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments here, on Facebook or Twitter.
Sources:
"About the WCRA." West Coast Railway Association.
https://wcra.org/index.php/homepage/about-the-wcra
"Age of Steam Roundhouse. Facebook Post." 8 December, 2019.
www.facebook.com/ageofsteamroundhouse/posts/2688673924531442
"Age of Steam Roundhouse. Facebook Post. 20 December, 2019.
www.facebook.com/ageofsteamroundhouse/posts/2704099796322188
"Electrify 429." Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company. www.hoosiertrolley.org/electrify-429
"Engine 6520." West Coast Railway Association.
wcra.org/index.php/preservation/restoration-of-engine-6520
"Gas Turbine Locomotive GT3." Vulcan Foundry Newton-le-Willows.
http://enuii.com/vulcan_foundry/oddities/gt3.htm
"1924 G.W.R. Class 56XX 0-6-2T No. 5619." Telford Steam Railway.
https://telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/the-railway/stock-list/1924-g-w-r-class-56xx-0-6-2t-no-5619
"Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co." Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co. www.hoosiertrolley.org
"Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co. Facebook Post." 8 December, 2019.
www.facebook.com/hoosiertrolley/posts/731306624042998
"Our Story." Restoring the Last South Shore Line Interurban Car.
www.facebook.com/pg/car73/about/?ref=page_internal
"Swindon & Crickdale Railway. Facebook Post." Swinford & Crickdale Railway 5 December, 2019.
www.facebook.com/SwindonAndCrickladeRailway/posts/2893617420657733
"Swindon & Crickdale Railway. Home." Swindon & Crickdale Railway.
https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org
"Swindon & Crickdale Railway. Stock List." Swindon & Crickdale Railway.
Steam
https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/about/stock-list/steam
Diesel
https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/about/stock-list/diesels
"The Rebirth of CN FP9A Diesel Locomotive #6520." Rapido Trains. 6 December, 2019.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVx0MZV0dq4&feature=youtu.be
"What to See." Swindon & Crickdale Railway. https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/the-line
Note from the Writer: I would like to apologize for the lack of posts recently, Christmas Break has been very hectic for me. I found a lot of stories I wanted to include, but unfortunately ran out of time. So in case you missed these stories, here's your December 2019 Recap.
New Home for Taffy Tank 6695
Great Western Railway 6695, a member of the 5600 "Taffy Tank" class, has recently found a new heritage railway to call home. No. 6695, built in 1928, and is one of hundreds of locomotives to survive into preservation by being sent to the Woodham Scrapyard, better known as Barry Island in 1964, according to a Facebook post announcing the move.
6695 was originally based at the Swanage Railway and was unfortunately damaged at a gala on the West Somerset Railway in 2015. On December 5, 2019, the Swindon & Crickdale Railway announced that they were teaming up with 6695 Locomotive Limited, who are caretakers and owners of the engine, according to the S&CR's Facebook post.
The Swindon & Crickdale Railway is a 4 1/2 mile long heritage railway that runs from Hayes Knoll to to Taw Valley Halt, according to their website, and was founded in 1978. Once 6695 arrives, she will be restored to operation and become the main motive power for the S&CR, while the S&CR works to restore their main steam locomotive "Spartan," a Polish industrial 0-6-0. Other locomotives based on the S&CR include "Swordfish," an Andrew Barclay 0-6-0 and several diesel locomotives, most notably Class 73 No. E6003 "Sir Herbert Walker" (part of a class which can run on direct electric and diesel power) and a Class 207 "Thumper" class of Diesel Multiple Unit built in the 1950's.
6695 will be joining a sibling when she arrives on the railway. The S&CR are currently loaning 5619 built in 1924, which is owned by Telford Steam Railway, who loan 5619 out because their line is not long enough to be economical to run. Like 6695, 5619 survived because she was sent to Barry Island, according to the Telford Steam Railway's website.
 |
| 5619 running at Weybourne. 5619 looks similar to 6695 except for their liveries, 6695 currently wears Great Western green. Image Credit: Ashley Dace, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7946480 |
Canadian National 6520 Gets Repainted
A historic locomotive livery can now be seen again on a locomotive. Rapido Trains, a Canadian based model train company teamed up with the West Coast Railway Association, a nonprofit that works to preserve Canada's rail history.
The engine in question, FP9 class No. 6520, was built for the Canadian National Railway, and eventually worked for Via Rail Canada when the CN stopped running passenger trains, according to a video released by Rapido Trains. 6520 was restored to operation in 2015, but needed cosmetic work before she could be returned to service, according to the WCRA's website.
Rapido Trains, along with Jeff Birmingham, stepped in to cover the cost, and asked the WCRA to paint 6520 into her original CN livery which railfans dubbed the "Wet Noodle" due to the white and black stripes along the side of the engine. The livery was apart of CN's 1961 rebranding (considered the most successful corporate rebranding) and despite, according to Rapido Trains, being used for more than 20 years, no locomotive in preservation has worn the livery, until now.
You can see 6520 in her new paint by clicking the YouTube link here:
KR Models Reveals First GT3 Prototype
KR Models, a relatively new company to the model train industry, recently revealed a running model of their GT3 Gas Turbine locomotive. The GT3 is the first model to be released by KR Models. Founded by Keith Revall, KR Models' Mission Statement is to produce models of locomotives that have never been produced before, or bring older models no longer produced back into production.
The UK based model train company started boldly by announcing their first model of the GT3 for OO Gauge. The GT3 began construction in the 1950's and was finished in 1960, according to the Vulcan Foundry Newton-le-Willows website. The numbering was due to Vulcan Gas Turbine prototype being the 3rd ordered by British Railways.
 |
| Excited young Trainspotters idle by the GT3 at Leicester in 1961. Note the corridor in the tender, allowing crews to travel from the locomotive to the train while in motion. Image Credit: Tucky1949 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41338445 |
The GT3 would remain a prototype and was eventually scrapped. KR Models' GT3 model is the first model of the prototype to ever be produced. KR Models revealed their running prototype at the Warley Model Railway Exhibition in 2019.
Hornby Models was loaned a model by KR Models, and you can see a video of the model running here:
Hoosier Heartland Volunteers Visit Fellow Trolley Preservationists
Sometimes in the Train Preservation world politics and egos get in the way of organizations working together. So when groups do work together, it feels appropriate to bring it to light.
The Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Indiana's 20th Century electric railway system, according to their website, recently visited another trolley preservation group to learn from the volunteers working on Chicago, Lake Shore & South Bend interurban No. 73. (Editor's Note: Regretfully a name for the group could not be found, so for clarity they will be referred to as the 73 Group).
Built in 1908 for the predecessor of the modern South Shore Line, No. 73 is a wooden body Trolley that has had a very interesting past. In 1909 No. 73 was involved in a head on collision but was rebuilt and continued to work hauling passengers until 1926/7 when she was demoted to maintenance, as more modern steel body cars came into service, according to the 73 Group's Facebook Page.
During the Great Depression, when Interurban/Trolleys were declining, No. 73 was converted into a home, where it sat in Michigan City, Indiana. In 1994, No. 73 was ready for demolition, but was saved by Tom Mendenhall and his two sons Ricky and Vince just before it was to be demolished.
Mr. Mendenhall and his wife have overseen the restoration of Car 73, where 80% of the restoration work has been completed, according to the page's "Our Story" section.
In many ways the Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co. are kindred spirits to the 73 Group. The HHTC. were formed in 2018 and saved several trolley cars from the Indiana Transportation Museum when they were evicted (you can read more about this situation by reading our article The Future of the ITM).
One of the items the HHTC saved was Union Traction Company of Indiana No. 429, named "Noblesville." No. 429 was withdrawn in 1941 and became an office for a gravel pit company, and later was stored out of sight at the Indiana Transportation Museum.
Now, 429 "Noblesville" is on the path to restoration, which is predicted to take 5 years with a 10 person team and approximately $450,000 in funding, according to the "Electrify 429" page of the HHTC's website.
On December 8, 2019, members of the HHTC's shop volunteers visited the restoration of No. 73 to learn techniques from the very experienced craftsmen. According to the HHTC, No. 73 is similar in the interior to another one of their trolleys, Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern No. 81, also saved from the ITM's 2018 eviction.
"Collaborations such as this one are enabling the revival of Indiana’s world famous electric railway heritage," stated the HHTC's Facebook post. The HHTC watched as the 73 Group worked, and noted that they worked to restore No. 73 with original material and techniques.
Hopefully both No. 73 and 429 "Noblesville" will be fully restored. It is unclear if No. 73 will be restored to operation, and if so where the Trolley will run. No. 429 "Noblesville" will run at Headwaters Junction, an initiative being lead by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, owners of the world famous Nickel Plate Road 765.
You can read more details on 429 "Noblesville"'s future home here.
No. 643 "The King" Update
Readers who have been following Branch Line News will be familiar with this story, but in case you are not a quick recap. The Age of Steam Roundhouse acquired the Bessemer & Lake Erie No. 643, nicknamed "The King," and are currently moving the engine from Pennsylvania to their museum in Ohio.
Age of Steam have been updating the public with posts on their social media. In their most recent updates, The King's boiler has been removed from the frame on site to make the engine more easy to transport. The King will be transported in pieces via road hauled by a semi truck. When the day comes, you can be sure that many train enthusiasts will be out to catch her historic move to her forever home.
Back at home base, The King's tender continues to see work in the Age of Steam's workshop. On December 20th, Age of Steam released a photo showing that the "Doghouse" (the term for a small shelter built to protect brakeman from the weather).
You can check out both photos by visiting the Age of Steam Roundhouse on Facebook or Twitter.
That concludes the December 2019 recap. What restoration are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments here, on Facebook or Twitter.
Sources:
"About the WCRA." West Coast Railway Association.
https://wcra.org/index.php/homepage/about-the-wcra
"Age of Steam Roundhouse. Facebook Post." 8 December, 2019.
www.facebook.com/ageofsteamroundhouse/posts/2688673924531442
"Age of Steam Roundhouse. Facebook Post. 20 December, 2019.
www.facebook.com/ageofsteamroundhouse/posts/2704099796322188
"Electrify 429." Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company. www.hoosiertrolley.org/electrify-429
"Engine 6520." West Coast Railway Association.
wcra.org/index.php/preservation/restoration-of-engine-6520
"Gas Turbine Locomotive GT3." Vulcan Foundry Newton-le-Willows.
http://enuii.com/vulcan_foundry/oddities/gt3.htm
"1924 G.W.R. Class 56XX 0-6-2T No. 5619." Telford Steam Railway.
https://telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/the-railway/stock-list/1924-g-w-r-class-56xx-0-6-2t-no-5619
"Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co." Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co. www.hoosiertrolley.org
"Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co. Facebook Post." 8 December, 2019.
www.facebook.com/hoosiertrolley/posts/731306624042998
"Our Story." Restoring the Last South Shore Line Interurban Car.
www.facebook.com/pg/car73/about/?ref=page_internal
"Swindon & Crickdale Railway. Facebook Post." Swinford & Crickdale Railway 5 December, 2019.
www.facebook.com/SwindonAndCrickladeRailway/posts/2893617420657733
"Swindon & Crickdale Railway. Home." Swindon & Crickdale Railway.
https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org
"Swindon & Crickdale Railway. Stock List." Swindon & Crickdale Railway.
Steam
https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/about/stock-list/steam
Diesel
https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/about/stock-list/diesels
"The Rebirth of CN FP9A Diesel Locomotive #6520." Rapido Trains. 6 December, 2019.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVx0MZV0dq4&feature=youtu.be
"What to See." Swindon & Crickdale Railway. https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/the-line
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