Steam & Excursion > C&O 1309 pushed back to July

For those wanting to ride behind C&O 1309 you'll have to wait a little longer. Due to unexpected problems with the rear tube sheet the anticipated completion date is now July 24th, 2016.

Sounds good, thanks for the update. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I may get a chance to drive out east to see 1309 and 611 in one trip.

Hopefully this does not have too much of a negative impact on their 2016 excursion season revenue.

Emmo213 Wrote:
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> For those wanting to ride behind C&O 1309 you'll
> have to wait a little longer. Due to unexpected
> problems with the rear tube sheet the anticipated
> completion date is now July 24th, 2016.

What will the Western Maryland Scenic operate before the 1309 is ready?  Diesels?  It's my understanding that the 734 will be out of service at the end of this year.​

ClubCar Wrote:
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> Emmo213 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > For those wanting to ride behind C&O 1309
> you'll
> > have to wait a little longer. Due to unexpected
> > problems with the rear tube sheet the
> anticipated
> > completion date is now July 24th, 2016.
>
> What will the Western Maryland Scenic operate
> before the 1309 is ready? 

Probably their diesel units.

Diesels? 

Isn't that pretty much a given?

It's my
> understanding that the 734 will be out of service
> at the end of this year.​

Correct.

Even if it was 2025, they would beat the UP.

Ouch.  I'll be dead by then.

They offer a discount fare for the deceased.

tomstp Wrote:
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> Ouch.  I'll be dead by then.

Emmo213 Wrote:
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> For those wanting to ride behind C&O 1309 you'll
> have to wait a little longer. Due to unexpected
> problems with the rear tube sheet the anticipated
> completion date is now July 24th, 2016.

Not unusual when restoring an old locomotive. 2926's steam up has been pushed back to summer 2016 also. Nothing major; a myriad of small problems and winter's short days, cold temperatures and wet weather puts a dent in what can be accomplished outdoors with the volunteers.

http://nmslrhs.org/Photos/2015/11-07/DSCN4754.html



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/20/15 19:56 by Cumbresfan.

HotWater Wrote:
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> > It's my understanding that the 734 will be out of service at the end of this year.​

> Correct.

Actually, that's incorrect. 734 is scheduled for operation in February 2016. 

 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/20/15 20:10 by Robertjohndavis.

welchblvd Wrote:
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> Sounds good, thanks for the update. I'm keeping my
> fingers crossed I may get a chance to drive out
> east to see 1309 and 611 in one trip.

Might want to uncross them if you wait to see 611 in steam, you'll get arthritis. 

I don't think we will see 734 in steam in 16'.

Having been down this road a few times in a very personal way I can tell you that predicting a finishing date for a major restoration like the 1309 is undergoing is folly for sure. IMHO based upon where that project presently stands its way too early to be establishing return to service dates....not to mention its bad luck.

    Let's hope she comes back together well with no big surprises and gives them years of reliable service. Doing it right is a lot more important than doing it fast.

   Ross Rowland

Yes. Doing it right and letting everyone know exactly why there's a delay beats having her in service in May, back to the shop, back in July, whoops, out till October, whoops, we should have fixed that too. It isn't always possible to see what's worn until everything's apart.

It's always better to pad the estimate and give a range ("summer 2016") than a firm date in case something odd happens last-minute, no matter what the project is. I never tell anybody that a book will be available on December 7. It'll be out before Christmas.  If it shows up early, that's good. 

Rebecca Morgan
Jacobsburg, OH

I'm still betting it beats UP 844 back to steam.

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