Author Archives: Exnavydoc@hotmail.com

Wordless Wednesday #110

Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics

Talky Tuesday #67

A post-abandonment view along Schrader Creek is the scene in last week’s “WW #109”.  The ties remain in place and the right-of-way has not yet been completely lost to nature. Telephone poles stand vigil, but the copper wire linking the stations along the route has been reclaimed for the war effort.

The time is probably high summer, given the foliage on the trees and the shirtless young fellow on the rocks overlooking the creek.

Perhaps a reader can identify this rock formation and the swimming hole below…

Wordless Wednesday #109

Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics

Talky Tuesday #66

An unknown S&NY locomotive takes on water in “WW #108” of two weeks ago. Timeframe is likely early spring, given the snow on the ground. The water going into the tank is probably C-O-L-D!

Of interest is the coal of various sizes in the bunker and scattered on the tender deck, including a large portion of “fines”, suggesting this is unsorted “mine run” coal.

I cannot identify the fireman in the photo; perhaps a reader can provide the info.

Wordless Wednesday #108

Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics

Talky Tuesday #65

Last week’s “WW #107” shows a coal drag passing a water tank somewhere along the S&NY in the wilds of north-central Pennsylvania. I am not sure of this location, possibly Long Valley. Time frame is probably late winter or early spring, given the sun angle and the bare trees. I wonder if we’ll stop here for water….

Wordless Wednesday #107

Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics

Talky Tuesday #64

Wordless Wednesday #106 of two weeks ago is a classic 3/4 rods-down view of S&NY engine #112. I am unsure of the location of this photo. I had originally thought Towanda, but given the company houses in the background, the location could be Masten or Laquin, or even Barclay Station in light of the early date.

#112 was purchased new by the S&NY from Baldwin in 1906 and sold to the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Co. in 1913. The engine looks essentially new in this view, with smart striping on the drivers, steam chests, domes, oil headlight, and cab.

Behind the engine is a Standard Steel Car Co. hopper car lettered for Jamison Coal and Coke Co. These hoppers were first produced in 1903, with over 11,000 produced by 1913 for various railroads and coal companies.

Op Session #16

Op session #16 was held 03/11/17. Only a couple of minor issues with a Bowser PRR F30 flat car and an older Stewart hopper derailing.

In the flat car’s case, I think it is a function of insufficient weight. The older Stewart hoppers I have do not track very well, possibly because the bolsters are not wide enough. I also think the coupler boxes are too wide, and when shoving these cars, the too-wide swing forces the cars off the rails. Will try to sort that out before the next session.

Aside from those minor bugs, the session was considered a success by all.

Included here are some videos shot by Jerry J.:

No. 6 upgrade at Masten Loop

No. 6 whistles for the Wheelerville grade crossing

No. 6 downgrade over the “Big Fill”

No. 7 westbound at Wheelerville

Photoshop Fun #2

SNY #105 drifts downgrade over the Masten Loop. September, 1939