Disclaimer: I'm not financially involved with either of these concerns. Just passing on the word for those who may be interested. First, Crystal River Products is taking reservations for an On3 version of the Chama depot. He has the HO version in final development now. If you are interested, as I am, give Tom a call. http://www.crystalriverproducts.com/Products/Trackside/ChamaDepot.htm I have one of his Chama water tanks and can attest to the fine kits he produces. Second, The C&TSRR has officially announced this year's schedule for engineer/fireman classes. http://www.trainstuff.info/forctsrr...4-10engineerschool/engineer-firemanschool.pdf I took the combined class last fall and it was a great experience and am now enrolled in the June advanced engineer class. Also, quoted prices for the advanced engineer class have been reduced from $2500 to $2000. Cheers!
While not a true NG, I dream of doing the same on the most honorable of all honorable of all honorable narrow gauges. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hpxq8mzzw8&feature=PlayList&p=43E59291A6F40780&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GOiKFSzcOg Relative to Chama, it loses points for not being narrow gauge but gains points for being more authentic (only the EBT is better) and operating older equipment. Michael
Michael, What do you mean not a true NG? I saw nothing at their website indicating what gauge it is. I went to their website and their class doesn't seem to be as inclusive as the C&T, no train to pull and large grades to negotiate up and down, etc.. And it seems to be more expensive relative to the time spent at the throttle. Never the less it would be a fun 2 hours or so.
The Nevada Northern is SG, but commonly considered to be an honorary NG. The grade on that section of track is 3%. When the NN was to be built, initially plans were to build a connection from the Eureka & Pallisades...but due to the late date (1905) and terrain, a new SG railroad was built. I didn't say that it was a better (or worse) experience than CATs. There are natural parallels between the two operations. While CATS was purchased by the states along with some authentic equipment (no passenger equipment), the NN was donated with everything on the property (passenger, freight, and MOW equipment). NN operated longer and more successfully than the D&RGWng, so there are early diesels and steel freight cars. But, Chama doesn't have the complete facilities that East Ely has...which along with the operating steam crane, offsets for the fewer steam locomotives. The result is a comparable operation...not quite as large, but more complete. Ironically, the average equipment age at East Ely is actually older than that at Chama despite it being more modern in design. Personally, I'd much rather ride/run a locomotive over the NN than Cumbras Pass. I'm sure that a straw poll would strongly favor Chama. I don't know if I'd prefer to run a NN locomotive or an EBT. Both have considerable charm. The same thing applies to the White Pass...whose modern history is similar to the NN...and located in an even more remote place. I posted those videos as I know that the NN is not as well known as the CATS and D&SNG...but once people learn about it, its grip over them is comparable. Since it is a similar operation and my choice for such a deal, I shared the post (I wouldn't have posted if it weren't an honorary NG). Michael
I've never heard anything but good about the NN. Everyone visiting comes away impressed. Is their line still intact all the way to Cobre? Boxcab E50
I'm not certain. As I recall, only the southern part of the line...the mines to the old smelter...was donated along with the railroad facilities. The rest of the mainline was either mothballed or kept in service...I don't recall which... Michael
Not to worry. I was not aware of the NN and appreciate being made aware of it. Yes - there are charms associated with all of these live museums so I too wasn't making any comment as to which was better. They all have their positives and negatives, and they are rooted in what the original railroads consisted of to begin with. I too lament the lack of original passenger equipment on the C&T, but I am more interested in freight operations so for me it's not so important. Anyway, it's much easier to see/enjoy/photograph the scenery of the mountains from an open gondola so I wouldn't enjoy it as much if I was stuck in a passenger car. But, I'm sure all who read/post here know that I have my own biases towards the NG D&RGW as well. That said, these opinions didn't prevent me from riding the two Rocky Mountain legs of the SP #4449 excursion last fall. If it's steam train related - it's fun!
Dan, I recall that you saw it, but I don't remember hearing that you rode it as well. Congrats! There are a handful of really special operations out there. I'm planning to use frequent flier miles (in the next year or two) to get up to the White Pass (via Juneau). Until this past year or so, they still had ex-C&S boxcars in service. I'm planning to ride the steam powered train one day, chase it another, and ride the longer diesel excursion on a third day. Similarly, when I get to the NN, I'm planning to ride both trips (the steam and diesel excursions use different routes) and chase the steam on a third day. Michael
Great videos, except for that much too dominating music most of the time. When I want train sound, I don't want it diluted with that "muzak" background. I love country music, but here it really just serves as an unwelcome sound curtain. As for the engines, they are of a more conventional type than the outside frame ones on the C&TSR and the D&S. So more like what we have in Europe or the rest of the world in variations. But those K's in particular are much more special. The NN excells with its unspoilt landscape.
License? I thought you need a boiler technician certificate or some sort of license to work as an engineer or fireman? -Alex
To work on boilers one needs certifications and I am not familiar with what that entails. I'm sure a google search can fill that void. However, the process to become an line engineer or fireman will depend on each railroad. (On today's diesels the major carriers have a 3 month class for prospective engineers that they run themselves.) Jeremy Lopez, the senior engineer for the C&T, told us that he spent ~5 years in an apprenticeship with active C&T engineers learning how to do the job before being cut loose. As for taking these classes, we do not get a certificate stating we are qualified to take the throttle of any locomotive. For our classes Jeremy stands behind us while we work the controls so that he is in charge of what we do and he can react quickly if we do anything wrong.
I've worked on a locomotive's boiler and I have no certification. I'd guess that it works much like engineering...it only needs the rubber stamp at the end. I can't recall if any certification is required beyond passing the FRA tests (ultrasound and the traditional hydro). That's yours truly on the left...so not only do you not need to have certification...you can be a kuncklehead too!
I know that certain commercial/governmental entities require boiler operations and building certifications. ASME handles boiler certs and Sprung Training Systems up here in Minnesota handle operations certs. For operating museums I wonder what the percentage of those requiring that of their employees would be? Off to the NG discussion forum to ask them if they know anything about this....
