I like to watch trains roll by, but what I really like is to ride on steam powered trains. Cab rides are the best, but rare, due to liability reasons.
I got the desire to ride the high steel from my Father who worked for the Union Pacific Rail Road at the pinnacle of the steam era. His last position at the UP was as fireman on "Big Boy" locomotives, specifically 4004 which is now on display in Holiday park in Cheyenne WY. The Big Boys were the largest class of steam locomotives in the world. They are articulated and have a 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement. They were coal fired, and empty of fuel and water they weighed 1.25 million pounds, definitely BIG BOYs!!!
I got the desire to ride the high steel from my Father who worked for the Union Pacific Rail Road at the pinnacle of the steam era. His last position at the UP was as fireman on "Big Boy" locomotives, specifically 4004 which is now on display in Holiday park in Cheyenne WY. The Big Boys were the largest class of steam locomotives in the world. They are articulated and have a 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement. They were coal fired, and empty of fuel and water they weighed 1.25 million pounds, definitely BIG BOYs!!!
While our yet to be named RV was parked in Hermosa SD, Elizabeth found and then suggested that we go for a ride on the Black Hills Central Railroad, AKA The 1880 Train, which connects Hill City to Keystone, SD. It's an hour ride each direction.
We booked round trip tickets a few days in advance in anticipation of a nice day together.
We started at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum. We learned that even rich kids don't get everything they want, but maybe buy it later in life. Elizabeth noted this quote from the railroad time line.
We booked round trip tickets a few days in advance in anticipation of a nice day together.
We started at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum. We learned that even rich kids don't get everything they want, but maybe buy it later in life. Elizabeth noted this quote from the railroad time line.
They even had a caboose indoors.
After visiting the museum it was time to board the train.
 |
Our train was pulled by locomotive #108 which is a 2-6-6-2T articulated Mallet engine that was manufactured in 1926 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. This engine was designed for logging companies. She is WAY overpowered for such a small passenger train. All aboard!
I really enjoyed the sound of the locomotive pulling the grades that go as steep as 6%. This locomotive was originally coal fired, but a previous owner converted it to burn oil. I do prefer the smell of coal over oil.
Once we arrived in Keystone we had enough time to shop, stroll, and have a leisurely lunch.
The Black Hills Central Railroad does not have a turntable or a wye at each end of the line. The locomotives are just moved to the opposite end of the train and driven in reverse. Driving in reverse is not an issue as railroad locomotives are just as fast and powerful no matter which direction they go.
Elizabeth's summary of the day:
It was a pleasant, relaxing day with nice scenery. Harold did not let me nap on the train.
I really enjoyed the sound of the locomotive pulling the grades that go as steep as 6%. This locomotive was originally coal fired, but a previous owner converted it to burn oil. I do prefer the smell of coal over oil.
Once we arrived in Keystone we had enough time to shop, stroll, and have a leisurely lunch.
The Black Hills Central Railroad does not have a turntable or a wye at each end of the line. The locomotives are just moved to the opposite end of the train and driven in reverse. Driving in reverse is not an issue as railroad locomotives are just as fast and powerful no matter which direction they go.
Elizabeth's summary of the day:
It was a pleasant, relaxing day with nice scenery. Harold did not let me nap on the train.
No comments:
Post a Comment