Steam & Excursion > SMS steam #9 O/S axle bearing problem. Public notice from SMS

SMS public notice:  WOODSTOWN, SALEM  COUNTY, southern NJ. 
"On Friday April 18th, locomotive #9 developed an overheated journal on the center axle during the 12pm excursion. The locomotive was removed from the train and our steam crew worked deep into the night in an effort to remedy the problem. Early in the morning of the 19th, it was determined that the damage ensued was beyond repair in our limited facilities at South Woodstown. Efforts are currently underway to remove the center wheelset so the proper repairs can be made. Although we have no official date of when #9 will return to service, we are hopeful that the repairs will be swift and she will return to service this summer. Updates to follow." SMS

Seems like this might be a good time to hammer wood wedges between the frame and the springs to remove all engine weight off the center axle to aid its movement back to a shop. They may put jacks under each end of the large leaf springs over the axle and take all weicht off that bearing.  They may use a crane to lift the engine off that center set 9f wheels. Years ago Steam service instructions to engineers covered the method and placement of wood wedges to isolate certain wheels. I used that method at Las Pinos in June 1970 when a trailing truck wheel had to be re-brassed. They could not lift the box until I wedges the truck frame apart from the engine frame which lifted the journal and brass was quickly switched.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 04/29/25 18:30 by PlyWoody.

Who what where is SMS?

Is it really that hard to include some basic information?

I agree, but look at this thread for particulars. I understand it supposed to read SMS 9.

Then and now SLRS 9

Victor Baird

longliveSP Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Who what where is SMS?
>
> Is it really that hard to include some basic
> information?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/29/25 17:21 by wabash2800.

0-6-0 operates with Woodstown Central on the tender.  Runs in southern New Jersey.
jb

Indeed, she went down just as I arrived on April 18. At least I got to get a good look at #9 up close after riding aboard the 2 pm excursion with substitute diesel power.

---

---

---

longliveSP Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Who what where is SMS?
>
> Is it really that hard to include some basic
> information?
This is one of my pet peeves, though some on here like to criticize me for asking people to please, spell out what you mean.  This takes but a few extra seconds and helps everyone of us to know and understand the subject of which you are speaking.  Thanks.  Beyond this, I do hope that they can get their steam locomotive repaired quickly and without breaking the bank.
John in White Marsh, Maryland

Could be SMS Rail Lines in Bridgeport New Jersey. They are mainly known for Baldwin diesel locomotives. I live in California.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/30/25 09:02 by usmc1401.

What kind of lubrication does the crown brass use? Oil or Grease cakes? I don't think its easy to get decent hard grease any more if you're doing prolonged mainline running.  Don't ask me how I know.

usmc1401 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Could be SMS Rail Lines in Bridgeport New Jersey.
> They are mainly known for Baldwin diesel
> locomotives. I live in California.

Yes, This covers the who and where. Yes, known for operating Baldwins. Interesting operation. Years ago, one used to be able to go to shop offices and sign a release and get your photos, not sure how they are these days. Paint on their diesels is inspired by the green and yellow. They have quite a few of the ex Erie Mining units, believe one of the big Baldwins was at one time one of the TRONA units. Worth checking out if in the Camden/Philadelphia area.
Ben