700 Runs

Yo, guys, just returned from riding behind the SP&S 4-8-4 No. 700 from Pasco, WA to Spokane and return. The locomotive had some minor problems, but we ticket holders had a great time, riding in a consist of 18 cars which turned heads from the old hands (young kids?) running the BNSF freights that we met along the way. I just want to put a picture up, taken by MARTIN E. HANSEN. More to follow.

 

VERY PRETTY !!!!

Thanks

 

Hank, I don't know if anyone else is interested, but I put a few more on my web site. Not as good as Martin's, but man, it sure was fun happening. There are a few other things on this page, but just scroll down, it's there.Fitz's--Recent Railfan Events

 

Just can't help myself, guys.

 

This was soooooo much fun............

 

OH, Be still My Heart ...

Thanks, they are BEAUTIFULL , Hank

 

Just skillful sanding of the flues, Alan. And with the safeties lifted, it just made the hair stand up on the back of our necks.

 

Bob, yes there were some problems. The second day a valve ring had (non) lube problems and we ended up with a diesel helper for the remainder. A couple of cars derailed on the last day while backing into the yard, through a switch, in Pasco. That happens almost daily with modern power.
The trip was GREAT as far as I am concerned. Next weeken, off to chase the 4449. Can't afford tickets on ALL of them.
The guys at the 700 site will keep you informed of solutions, etc.All Aboard the SP&S 700

 

One of the best pictures I have seen posted so far of the SP&S 700 trip is the one below taken by Funnelfan Ted Curphey and used with his permission. This location is in the curves of the Second Coulee just below Hatton and all of the 18-car train is visible except the round-end observation car. It was with great disappointment that less than ten miles later I had to bring the train to a stop and accept the assistance of a diesel. BNSF was most gracious though in allowing the PRPA to run the 700 on the point on Sunday Spokane to Pasco with the contract-required pilot engineer on the diesel buried in the consist (I have been qualified on the route since 1987). I was grateful to be able to work the 700 with at least enough power to make a reasonably good sound for the lineside viewers, especially at the runbys at Ritzville. The smoke in some of the pictures I've seen that were taken at Ritzville was a bit heavy to my liking but a lot of photographers like it that way.


[ 22 May 2001: Message edited by: Colonel ]

 

Sorry I did something incorrectly so the above mentioned picture didn't post. You may view it at http://www.trainweb.org/funnelfan/sps700-conl3.JPG The character before the number _3_ in the URL is a lowercase _L_, not a number _1_.

[ 22 May 2001: Message edited by: Alan ]

 

Thanks, Colonel, for trying to fix it. Maybe the third try will work. I have also seen Ted's photo in a discussion thread at http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?f=1&i=46086&t=46082 so maybe that address will work.

 

Jim, glad to hear from you! You did a great job with the runbys on Sunday. I just wish I could have gotten on the other (sun) side of the tracks for the photos that day, but didn't want to upset our hosts the BNSF. It was great to see and ride the 700 out on the mainline. My pix aren't nearly as good as the chasers, but heck, I helped finance the trip and feel that much better about riding vs. chasing.

[ 22 May 2001: Message edited by: fitz ]

 

BTW, The Ted Curphey photo is featured on the 700 home pageAll Aboard the SP&S 700

[ 22 May 2001: Message edited by: fitz ]

 

Great shots of the SP&S 700 everyone --- Here are a few shots from the Vancouver, WA start to Wishram... sorry for the rough post...pretty new to any posting but love the trains...
http://members.aol.com/satokuma/page12.html

 

Great job Jim, and welcome to the TrainBoard. You are welcome to bring the 700 by here anytime!