I understand that the Arcade & Attica's 2-8-0 No. 18 will be test-fired very soon, if not already. There were plans to light off the engine around Memorial Day weekend--does anybody know if this already happened?

K.R. Bell

Man, I am happy to post this shot. Ths is from yesterday (5-31-08) after the end of the day - the third or fourth day in service from what I can tell. A&A 18 happens to be the VERY FIRST steam locomotive I ever saw operate, so it has a special place in my heart. (14 was the first I cabrode and attempted to fire).

http://gustafson.home.westpa.net/Arcade ... -2008a.jpg

I got there too late to see her running, but she's sitting there with the fire banked.

Get the word out that she's running again, they could sure use the ridership!

EDIT: Oh, and here's the new web page, too:
http://www.arcadeandatticarr.com/

RailPictures.com has several photos of 2-8-0 #18 on passenger trains from Memorial Day weekend. So, yes indeed, the old ALCO is back.

Hey Kurt (and everyone else)...

#18 in steam! Gotta love YouTube!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zwkQG-d-1lw&feature=related

Well worth the visit - a very friendly staff and a laid back group. Photo opportunities abound though lighting can be tricky with excursions running at noon and 2:30 PM. She runs slow - great for chasing or a very scenic ride through a beautiful rural countryside. There is a decent grade and #18 sounds great when attacking them. Tickets are cheap ($12.00) - I purchased two and chased Sat and Sunday. Before and after, you can head over to Letchworth State Park to see the railroad bridge over the famous falls, or head over to Hamburg, NY to see the PRR 2-10-0, or, head a bit further North to Niagara Falls.

The line spent years restoring 2-8-0 #18 - make it a point to stop by and support them. BTW - note the tender - it's actually from #14 which is pending restoration. #18's tender is gonna need some major work.

Sat and Sundays Noon and 2:30 - there are also runs on Wednesday and Fridays - see the site for details.

/Mitch

Did not know that the tender behind the 18 originally belongs to the 14. It is obvious that the tender has two different trucks underneath it as seen in the pictures. Also creates an interesting couple height situation as seen in this picture:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=237085

Regarding the 14, besides needing the usual truck load of money, what are the big hurdles to overcome to restore that engine to service? The 14 was one of the first steam locomotives I ever rode behind as a kid way back when...