Reading and Northern 425 running in 2013?

6-18003 · **Joined:** Thu Jun 17, 2010 9:31 am **Posts:** 728

Do we know if her cylinder(s) was/were repaired?

Mark Z. Yerkes · **Joined:** Mon Jan 02, 2012 8:47 pm **Posts:** 486

G. W. Laepple wrote:

You do mean Route 896, right?

I did mean 896, thank you. My brain moves faster than I can type, and I often hit submit without checking first hahah

Mark Z. Yerkes · **Joined:** Mon Jan 02, 2012 8:47 pm **Posts:** 486

Alexander D. Mitchell IV wrote:

Rodney A and F dorms have windows overlooking the B&O Royal Blue route, but F is where they start blowing for the Main Street crossing. Some of the Dickinson dorms overlook the main, too.

If you're in shape, you can make it to the W&W by bicycle in about 45-50 minutes.

You just answered a question I've had for a long time, but never got around to asking. I always assumed the line was ex-PRR due to its proximity to Philly, but the Royal Blue line? That's awesome.

m3ohwell · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2013 2:41 am

Its a 60 mile drive from Wilkes-Barre.
Ed K. cp Laurel Run

NW Class J · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2013 5:16 am

That is such a dramatic photo. The 425 is a great sounding, great looking locomotive.

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2013 9:39 am

Mark Z. Yerkes wrote:

You just answered a question I've had for a long time, but never got around to asking. I always assumed the line was ex-PRR due to its proximity to Philly, but the Royal Blue line? That's awesome.

You..... I...... um..... (O.o)
[impersonates Jay Leno's cameo appearance on "The Simpsons"]
"Someone get this kid a railroad atlas!!!"

The former PRR line, now Amtrak's and also used by SEPTA and NS, is down south of the main campus, with the former PRR passenger station still down under the overpass.

Now, if you want to get more interesting, I'll tell you about the Newark & Pomeroy, which went from Delaware City through to Pomeroy, Pa. by way of crossing the PRR main at what is now Davis Tower, then cutting north through town, crossing Main Street at the Newark Shopping Center and continuing north under the B&O to Landenburg, Pa. There's now a Pomeroy & Newark Bike Trail over much of the route, a trail I'm overdue to ride.

Randy Musselman · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2013 1:55 pm

Quote:

6-18003 wrote:
No, I am saying that 425 may be the only game in town.

Don't we count?

_________________
I steam, therefore I am.
Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Department

Oh yes Kelly,

Make that the #90 with the Reading 6-chime passenger whistle, IMHO the BEST whistle tone out there! ;-)

Randy Musselman

ns2110 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:07 pm

Lets go even further off topic. I think I read it here a really long time ago that 89's whistle is 90's Great Western whistle. Is there any truth in that?

limejuice · **Joined:** Sat Jan 31, 2009 7:58 pm **Posts:** 80

I think 89 has a Canadian 3 chime. BRW (GW) #60 has a Crosby (or similar) 3 chime which is similar to PRR 3 chimes. Perhaps similar to the Canadian? No idea if 60's whistle is original, but maybe this line of thought explains that line of thought. I don't know.

Donald Cormack · **Joined:** Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:41 pm **Posts:** 166

Let's get back on topic.

Is there anyone out there who is brave enough to answer whether or not the 425 received any cylinder work? I.e liners bored or perhaps replaced?

DC

RBMN-ENGR. · **Posted:** Thu Jan 17, 2013 7:20 pm

Just new rings for now. Why fix everything while it's apart when you can tear it apart again? Makes sense to me...............................NOT!

6-18003 · **Joined:** Thu Jun 17, 2010 9:31 am **Posts:** 728

Maybe that's all it needed? I think at the time it was announced they were not sure what would be involved.

Donald Cormack · **Joined:** Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:41 pm **Posts:** 166

RBMN-ENGR. wrote:

Just new rings for now. Why fix everything while it's apart when you can tear it apart again? Makes sense to me...............................NOT!

I like the way you think!

6-18003 wrote:

Maybe that's all it needed? I think at the time it was announced they were not sure what would be involved.

Using brand new rings in a scored bore or a bore that exceedingly oval is a really won't fix anything. It will only expedite the wear on those new rings. We'll see how well it does though!

Dave · **Posted:** Fri Jan 18, 2013 2:40 pm

Two things: it is useless to speculate on repairs necessary if you don't know the extent of wear or damage; and, new rings can be fit to oval bores and serve adequately for a while. I helped Jack Andewrson fit oval rings into Humpy the Climax many years ago, and learned a lot.

I've never seen any real explaination of the real condition of the cylinders that are under discussion, and it isn't my business anyhow. All I know is I don't know enough to form (or express) a valid opinion. It is more than likely that the people in charge with greater knowledge and no lack of expertise have valid strategies of their own and are carrying them out.

Not every repair needs to result in like new condition. Sometimes it is enough to make things work for a while until a larger plan for overhaul makes it sensible to do more intensive work as part of an organic program.

Just happy to see her come back to life.

dave