Branch Line News For 4/20/2020 (FEC 148, 15" Union Pacific Type, D&S Steam/Diesel Update, & FWRHS Videos)
Welcome back to Branch Line News, your source of summarized news for train related topics. Pull out your ticket, and join us for the Branch Line New for the Week of April 20, 2020.
Florida East Coast 148 Restored
Our first story takes us to Florida and the US Sugar Railroad, who recently revealed the completion of their steam locomotive's restoration. Florida East Coast 148, a 4-6-2 Pacific built in 1920, has a unique history with the line. FEC 148 worked for the Florida East Coast until 1952, according to the 148's Facebook page, and was sold to US Sugar, who operated the engine in freight service.
After being retired by US Sugar, 148 traveled around to different private owners, in "New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Colorado, until it went out of service in the 1970s," according to the 148's Facebook Page. In 1971, 148 was relettered for the Blackwater & Western, where she ran excursions for a short time. You can see a video of her running by clicking the icon below.
Source: Speed Graphic Film & Video. (Secondary link in case of technical error here)
In the 1970's, 148 was withdrawn, and did not run for several decades. In 2001, according to the above video, she was in Michigan, then sold to an owner in Colorado in 2005.
In 2016, US Sugar, who according to their website run a 120 mile network with 12 engines and 800 cars specifically designed to haul sugar, reacquired 148 and transported her home. 148 arrived on December 13, 2016 according to Trains Magazine, for restoration to operation at the US Sugar Railroad's Clewiston works. The restoration, according to the 148's Facebook page, was expected to take a year. However, the restoration turned into 3 years. Now, the team's work has paid off.
You can watch a video of 148's return to Florida by clicking the icon below:
Source: Trains Magazine. (Secondary link in case of technical error here)
On April 18, 2020, US Sugar announced on 148's Facebook page that the Pacific had returned to steam, in time for her 100th birthday, wearing her US Sugar livery, with "We Raise Cane!" written on the side of her tender.
"There is no set schedule for the locomotive's next test runs," The post continued, "and it will not be operating today. We encourage any interested fans to adhere to all safety protocols, including those related to the COVID-19 outbreak and railroad safety."
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, it is unclear when the public will be able to get up and close with 148, or ride behind her. The 148's Facebook page states "Options for making it available to the public are being considered." According to their website, US Sugar plans to "add vintage passenger cars for public train rides" to their fleet.
While it may be a while before passengers can ride behind her, the restoration of 148 is still a tremendous feat. To follow 148's progress, you can like their Facebook page, @EngineNo148.
To see 148 running again, you can watch this Facebook video here.
Sources:
Engine 148. Facebook Page. www.facebook.com/EngineNo148
US Sugar. www.ussugar.com/railroad
World's Largest 15" Loco (Union Pacific Type) nears Completion
Our next story takes us to Wisconsin, where the (possibly) largest 15" locomotive is being constructed. The engine, a 4-12-2, has been under construction for some time, and is nearing completion. The Riverside & Great Northern, a nonprofit who run a 15" railway in the Dells, Wisconsin, shared two photos of the nearly completed engine.
According to the R&GN, "Butterfly firebox doors designed by the Sandley Light Railway Equipment Works are being installed" on the as yet unnumbered locomotive, which's being built by the Merrick Light Railway Locomotive Works. Despite having firebox doors, the engine will be oil fired, according to the R&GN's Facebook Page.
The massive engine, which can run in few places (including the R&GN, where it would be too heavy), will be for sale once completed. According to the R&GN, the massive 4-12-2 has been confirmed able to run at the "Arborway T. T. & Northwestern Railroad and the Milwaukee County Zoo," though it is unknown if either plan to buy the massive engine.
The 4-12-2 wheel arrangement was pioneered and used solely by the Union Pacific Railroad, who had a class of the engines with a 3 cylinder arrangement. Only one member, No. 9000 (the prototype) has been preserved at the Rail Giants Museum. The wheel arrangement was named "The Union Pacific Type" in honor of the UP.
The Union Pacific Type 15" loco currently has it's boiler attached to its frame. And while it has some similarities to its larger cousin, it is unknown if the engine is based off the 9000 class. To see photos of the 15" Union Pacific Type loco, you can find them on the R&GN's Facebook Page here.
Sources:
Riverside & Great Northern. Facebook Page. 20 April, 2020.
www.facebook.com/Dellstrains/photos/a.2211310648962813/2906790539414817/?type=3
"Union Pacific 9000." Rail Giants Train Museum. http://railgiants.org/union-pacific.htm
D&S Steam/Diesel Update
While not a full story, this' an update on an already covered story that seemed worth sharing.
Recently, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a 3' tourist railroad that runs in Colorado, announced the purchase of 4 diesels from the White Pass & Yukon in Alaska, that were going to be replaced by newer locomotives. (For more details you can find sources in our newest Shunting Ideas Around editorial here).
Concerns were raised by some that the D&S may phase out steam operations for diesels. The D&S replied to these fears on Twitter, saying "That’s not going to happen. Steam is, and always will be, the primary motive power on the [Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad]."
The D&S added in a second comment, "To be precise, this purchase increases the number of diesels on our roster from 6 to 10. Most railfans and industry analysts forget we already own and operate diesel locomotives for a broad spectrum of operational purposes." The other locomotives, according Trains Magazine, usually do not run the whole route, but do sometimes operate short excursions.
Update 4/21/2020: The D&S on Twitter stated that their current diesel fleet may be able to do the whole 45 mile route. The article originally read that they "are unable to run the full route with a train."
Sources:
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Twitter. 19 April, 2020.
https://twitter.com/DSNGRR/status/1251749735892873216
"Durango & Silverton buys White Pass & Yukon Diesels." Trains Magazine. 13 April, 2020.
https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2020/04/14-durango--silverton-buys-white-pass--yukon-diesels
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Uploads Free Steam Related Videos
If you're familiar with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Soceity, you most likely know them as operators of steam locomotive Nickel Plate Road 765. However, the Socity has more than one project underway, which they're showcasing on their YouTube Channel. If you need to fill your daily quota of steam related media and are stuck at home, the Society's got you coered.
The FWRHS are uploading videos to their YouTube Channel, including a few promotional history films of former railroad lines, including the Nickel Plate, Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central.
On March 11, 2020, the Society uploaded a video showcasing their restoration of Wabash Caboose 2543. To learn about their progress (and how you can buy a piece of the caboose to put artwork on) watch the video below:
Source: Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. (Secondary link in case of technical difficulties here)
The most recent video showcases 765 operating in 1987 on the Constitution Limited, which according to the Society was organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ohio's ratification of their Constitution. You can watch the video below:
Source: Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. (Secondary link in case of technical difficulties here)
This concludes this week's Branch Line News. What story are you most excited about? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.
Florida East Coast 148 Restored
Our first story takes us to Florida and the US Sugar Railroad, who recently revealed the completion of their steam locomotive's restoration. Florida East Coast 148, a 4-6-2 Pacific built in 1920, has a unique history with the line. FEC 148 worked for the Florida East Coast until 1952, according to the 148's Facebook page, and was sold to US Sugar, who operated the engine in freight service.
After being retired by US Sugar, 148 traveled around to different private owners, in "New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Colorado, until it went out of service in the 1970s," according to the 148's Facebook Page. In 1971, 148 was relettered for the Blackwater & Western, where she ran excursions for a short time. You can see a video of her running by clicking the icon below.
Source: Speed Graphic Film & Video. (Secondary link in case of technical error here)
In the 1970's, 148 was withdrawn, and did not run for several decades. In 2001, according to the above video, she was in Michigan, then sold to an owner in Colorado in 2005.
In 2016, US Sugar, who according to their website run a 120 mile network with 12 engines and 800 cars specifically designed to haul sugar, reacquired 148 and transported her home. 148 arrived on December 13, 2016 according to Trains Magazine, for restoration to operation at the US Sugar Railroad's Clewiston works. The restoration, according to the 148's Facebook page, was expected to take a year. However, the restoration turned into 3 years. Now, the team's work has paid off.
You can watch a video of 148's return to Florida by clicking the icon below:
Source: Trains Magazine. (Secondary link in case of technical error here)
On April 18, 2020, US Sugar announced on 148's Facebook page that the Pacific had returned to steam, in time for her 100th birthday, wearing her US Sugar livery, with "We Raise Cane!" written on the side of her tender.
"There is no set schedule for the locomotive's next test runs," The post continued, "and it will not be operating today. We encourage any interested fans to adhere to all safety protocols, including those related to the COVID-19 outbreak and railroad safety."
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, it is unclear when the public will be able to get up and close with 148, or ride behind her. The 148's Facebook page states "Options for making it available to the public are being considered." According to their website, US Sugar plans to "add vintage passenger cars for public train rides" to their fleet.
While it may be a while before passengers can ride behind her, the restoration of 148 is still a tremendous feat. To follow 148's progress, you can like their Facebook page, @EngineNo148.
To see 148 running again, you can watch this Facebook video here.
Sources:
Engine 148. Facebook Page. www.facebook.com/EngineNo148
US Sugar. www.ussugar.com/railroad
World's Largest 15" Loco (Union Pacific Type) nears Completion
Our next story takes us to Wisconsin, where the (possibly) largest 15" locomotive is being constructed. The engine, a 4-12-2, has been under construction for some time, and is nearing completion. The Riverside & Great Northern, a nonprofit who run a 15" railway in the Dells, Wisconsin, shared two photos of the nearly completed engine.
According to the R&GN, "Butterfly firebox doors designed by the Sandley Light Railway Equipment Works are being installed" on the as yet unnumbered locomotive, which's being built by the Merrick Light Railway Locomotive Works. Despite having firebox doors, the engine will be oil fired, according to the R&GN's Facebook Page.
The massive engine, which can run in few places (including the R&GN, where it would be too heavy), will be for sale once completed. According to the R&GN, the massive 4-12-2 has been confirmed able to run at the "Arborway T. T. & Northwestern Railroad and the Milwaukee County Zoo," though it is unknown if either plan to buy the massive engine.
The 4-12-2 wheel arrangement was pioneered and used solely by the Union Pacific Railroad, who had a class of the engines with a 3 cylinder arrangement. Only one member, No. 9000 (the prototype) has been preserved at the Rail Giants Museum. The wheel arrangement was named "The Union Pacific Type" in honor of the UP.
 |
| The Union Pacific Type in 1:1 Scale. No. 9000 resting at the Rail Giants Train Museum. Source: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=137037 |
Sources:
Riverside & Great Northern. Facebook Page. 20 April, 2020.
www.facebook.com/Dellstrains/photos/a.2211310648962813/2906790539414817/?type=3
"Union Pacific 9000." Rail Giants Train Museum. http://railgiants.org/union-pacific.htm
D&S Steam/Diesel Update
 |
| A photo depicting the White Pass & Yukon's current diesel fleet. In the second to right row are members of the class that will be going to the Durango & Silverton. Source: Bryan Flint at the English language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3606961 |
Recently, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a 3' tourist railroad that runs in Colorado, announced the purchase of 4 diesels from the White Pass & Yukon in Alaska, that were going to be replaced by newer locomotives. (For more details you can find sources in our newest Shunting Ideas Around editorial here).
Concerns were raised by some that the D&S may phase out steam operations for diesels. The D&S replied to these fears on Twitter, saying "That’s not going to happen. Steam is, and always will be, the primary motive power on the [Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad]."
The D&S added in a second comment, "To be precise, this purchase increases the number of diesels on our roster from 6 to 10. Most railfans and industry analysts forget we already own and operate diesel locomotives for a broad spectrum of operational purposes." The other locomotives, according Trains Magazine, usually do not run the whole route, but do sometimes operate short excursions.
Update 4/21/2020: The D&S on Twitter stated that their current diesel fleet may be able to do the whole 45 mile route. The article originally read that they "are unable to run the full route with a train."
 |
| D&S No. 486 posing with D&S #7 "Big Al," one of the D&S' current diesel locomotives. Source: Milan Suvajac - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38537553 |
Sources:
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Twitter. 19 April, 2020.
https://twitter.com/DSNGRR/status/1251749735892873216
"Durango & Silverton buys White Pass & Yukon Diesels." Trains Magazine. 13 April, 2020.
https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2020/04/14-durango--silverton-buys-white-pass--yukon-diesels
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Uploads Free Steam Related Videos
If you're familiar with the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Soceity, you most likely know them as operators of steam locomotive Nickel Plate Road 765. However, the Socity has more than one project underway, which they're showcasing on their YouTube Channel. If you need to fill your daily quota of steam related media and are stuck at home, the Society's got you coered.
The FWRHS are uploading videos to their YouTube Channel, including a few promotional history films of former railroad lines, including the Nickel Plate, Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central.
On March 11, 2020, the Society uploaded a video showcasing their restoration of Wabash Caboose 2543. To learn about their progress (and how you can buy a piece of the caboose to put artwork on) watch the video below:
Source: Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. (Secondary link in case of technical difficulties here)
The most recent video showcases 765 operating in 1987 on the Constitution Limited, which according to the Society was organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ohio's ratification of their Constitution. You can watch the video below:
Source: Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. (Secondary link in case of technical difficulties here)
This concludes this week's Branch Line News. What story are you most excited about? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.
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