Excursion Car 1110 Rebuild...

Just before the Independence Day weekend it was decided to reside excursion car number 1110, the Ron D. Brinton. The car had received repairs a few years back, but the plywood siding installed at that time was just a temporary measure. Tom Baldwin, Larry Tuttle, Gerald Hellinga, Taylor Rush, Jerry Huck, Carlos Furcal, and Byron Smith worked were able to have the car fully resided, painted, and in service in only three days.

Larry Tuttle installs a new belt rail prior to installing the new siding.

One side is done and looking good.

Taylor Rush works on caulking the joints and knot holes prior to the primer being applied. 

The platform end has had new siding installed as well. 

Byron Smith apples a coat of primer to the new siding. Next will be two coats of dark green. 

Taking some time off of the residing of the number 1110, Gerald Hellinga works on building a new step for caboose number 3. Mike Roberts had cut the new material earlier in the year after a switching move damaged the step.

Just needs a coat of paint to be good as new. 

Exploration, Oregon Lumber Company...

Eric Wunz and Taylor Rush went on an exploration of an Oregon Lumber Company logging line in the hills above Austin, Oregon. Apparently something had gone tragically wrong with a lumber flat as there was a large amount of debris scattered around the grade. Pictured above is a broken center bearing  from a freight car truck.

The aforementioned lumber flat upside down alongside the grade. 

The bolster and center bearing on the wrecked flatcar. Note that the center pin is till in place and there are still traces of red paint on the side sill.

Freight car truck sideframe in the weeds. 

This journal box was supplied by Pacific Car & Foundry of Tacoma. The other journal is a standard Union Pacific design.

Another freight car sideframe, makes a matched pair. 

No idea what this is.

Heisler Hydro Test...

Late April in the Sumpter Valley can be a little on the cold side.

Scott Hutton and Taylor Rush replace the steam dome lid after the internal inspection has been completed.

Heisler number 3 has been filled with water and warmed up for its annual hydro test. This test is done every year prior to season for locomotive's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspection and approval. No problems found.

Snow to sun in an afternoon. The jacketing still needs to be installed on the firebox and steam dome, but otherwise the number 3 is ready for service.

At the Backshop...

In April of 2011 the tubes tubes started coming out in preparation for the cleaning and inspection of the boiler.

The throttle from number 19. Removed so that volunteers can get access to the tubes through the steam dome.

Eric Wunz cutting the tubes loose from the front tube sheet.

After a tube is removed the firebox tube sheet has to be ground clean as the tubes are welded on the firebox end as opposed to being rolled in the smokebox end.

Taylor Rush and Tom Young with the first group of tubes to be removed from the number 19. 

Photo Club Charter...

On October 23, 2010 the Tri City Digital Photography Club chartered the number 3 for an all day photo train.

 A passing rainstorm provided a rare and short lived photo opportunity.

 The storm has passed and the sky is a deep blue. Despite the sun, winter is on its way.

Historic Freight Cars Discovered Near Haines...

Two historic freight cars from the original Sumpter Valley Railway were recently discovered on a ranch near the town of Haines outside of Baker City. The ranch owner has donated both cars for preservation, and they will likely be moved to McEwen within the next few years.

The Sumpter Valley number of this boxcar is unknown, though the original Union Pacific number 25798 was found inside.

Original lettering from the 1885 Union Pacific roster. The boxcar itself is likely a few years older and originally saw service on the Utah & Northern.

This 2200 series stockcar is in good and surprisingly complete condition, and may be able to be returned to full service.

2010 Fall Foliage and Photographer's Weekend...

The 10th Annual Fall Foliage and Photographers Weekend was held on October 16 and 17, 2010. Even though number 19 was in the shop for repair, number 3 put on a great show that coupled with perfect weather made for a crowd pleasing event.

Heisler number 3 at Hawley Spur.

 Saturday's engineer Chuck Turner smokes up the scene for the photographers.

 No water tower at Sumpter, so the tender was topped up at the depot during lunch.

 Eric Wunz enjoying himself in the cab of number 3 on Sunday.

Conductor Fred Horn and rear brake Steve Christy help passengers back on board after the last photo run-by.