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Scrat wrote: ↑Thu Aug 08, 2024 7:09 pm
Just disappeared.
Seems to be a dangerous job....
Too much French wine, obviously. He seems to have boarded the wrong flight and ended up in the USA! No doubt he will be reporting on the more recent thread rather than confusing things with this resurrected ancient one.
M. L. E. DePuty arrived safely via the new FDM matter transference technology and has been busy inspecting US rail museums throughout the summer. Always cautious and aware, of course, and mindful of all posted notices for safety.
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As the NVT is currently conducting ballasting operations Mssr. DePuty will of course be on site for observation purposes, at least until he observes the origin of those tank wagons full of cider. (Detailed reports to follow.)
Glad to see he is at work straight away - just keep him away from the Jim Beam in case he takes after his predecessor
On a more serious note, we need volunteers for further line inspections. Any one and everyone welcome, especially the newer members. It is an excellent way of showcasing your efforts in a lighthearted way, so don't be shy. You do the write up and select the pictures so you don't have to include anything embarrassing if you don't want to ( although we do love those wee details! )
Volunteers please PM me rather than posting on the thread, please, and be assured that your personal details, phone numbers, email addresses, location, etc, will NOT be made public.
Nolwyn Valley Tramway Overview
Here I am at my first appointment, inspecting the Nolwyn Valley Tramway. They've certainly been stalling me enough since my arrival, treating me to tours of railway museums in Green Bay and Denver, so I would've expected they had time to cross their T's and dot their I's before the inspection. Unforunately this proved not to be the case, and the operators of this little tramway have a lot to answer for if they intend to stay open for business. Upon my arrival I was greeted by misaligned and unballasted track, with some rail joints seemingly held together by sticky tape and prayers-- no wonder the ride was so bumpy! The collection of locomotives and stock is woeful as well, with their solitary steam loco "Thornas" hastily pulled out of the rebuilder's shop to greet me. I think parts of that are held together by sticky tape as well!
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The passenger stock doesn't fare much better, as their pair of GVT-style coaches sit idle waiting for a locomotive strong enough to pull them around these painfully tight curves. (I don't know what the surveyer was thinking, but I have a feeling he mixed up the metric and imperial sides of his ruler!) Instead, I was taken on rides in freight wagons, brake vans, and locomotive cabs... worse than third class to be sure! It is a dubious honour to have created fourth-class passenger accomodation, but they seem to have done it!
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Moke, the little diesel that could (but probably shouldn't)
The backbone of the line's operation is a dinky little diesel named "Moke", and it certainly does live up to being a little pack donkey. Most trains that actually need to get to a destination are pulled by this little contraption which was knocked together in the quarry workshop from spare parts and an old skip. Just as I'd fear being kicked by a donkey, I also fear the operating end of this little loco with its (very negligently) exposed belt drive and various pulleys.
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Rumor has it that during the operating days of the quarry this locomotive claimed more than its share of drivers' lower extremities. The staff claim it's something to do with German efficiency and weight reduction (the loco, not the drivers), but I call it an accident waiting to happen. I recommend they cover it at once, lest the rumors prove themselves once again to be true.
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(Photo courtesy of Nolwyn Quarry Co. historical archive)
M. DePuty's report continued...
Interlude: Last days of steam on the Milwaukee Zoo Railroad.
Once again they have sent me off to visit a nearby heritage line, though I suspect they're just trying to get me out of the way to hastily clean up some more safety violations I haven't noticed yet. Today's diversion was the Milwaukee Zoo Railroad, a small loop line serving a county zoo. This railroad has maintained a roster of steam and diesel locomotives since the late 1950s but recently announced they would discontinue steam operation. The management cite environmental concerns but certainly the maintenance and upkeep of their impressive steam workshop can't be cheap. Still I can't help but be disappointed that another proud steam railway has fallen into dieselisation. The last steam loco is scheduled to depart from the line in early October, with this being the second-to-last scheduled day in steam.
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Having purchased my enormous ticket and laboriously carried it to the platform, I waited patiently for the train to arrive. The sole remaining steam locomotive, 4-6-2 Pacific #1924 "Irwin Maier", cut a sharp profile as she strode into the platform road.
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(Apologies for the video orientation, I asked a passerby to take a picture of me with the train and he seems to have been confused which way was up.)
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The coaching stock is horribly dated, being of mostly wood construction and lacking continuous brakes. There are brake wheels on each balcony but I did not see brakemen posted throughout the train, a very concerning observation as I was climbing aboard. Despite having balconies, these were compartment coaches, almost unheard of in the US. The lack of doors in the compartments was almost enough to put me off riding entirely; I clung tightly to my traveling companion (the NVT's stationmistress) so that neither of us fell off.
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It's sad to see steam going away. My sadness was lifted slightly when I heard that the locos would be going to a scenic railroad across the state. The stationmistress has promised to report back if she ever makes it over to visit. I however must get back to my duties and see what other infractions they're trying to smooth over at that backwater NVT. No more distractions-- I must finish my report so I can move on to my next assignment!
Fortunately, they are still going to be in public service in the Dells, but it's going to be hard going back to the zoo without them. It looks like there will be one more day in steam on October 6th.
There´s Hope.
A colleague of Mr DePuty called O´Gauge has announced his upcoming visit to my tinplate layout.
Might take some time but I will try and fix a date.
Scrat wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2024 7:48 am
There´s Hope.
A colleague of Mr DePuty called O´Gauge has announced his upcoming visit to my tinplate layout.
Might take some time but I will try and fix a date.
Ooh, I didn't know you did tinplate. Super cool!
I've sent you a PM so we can make M. DePuty's travel arrangements. I'll see if I can find him a suitable crate so he can keep all his limbs on the journey!
Nolwyn Valley Tramway, part 2
Upon my awakening on the second day of my visit, I found myself utterly marooned on an overgrown island, being circled by large fish that eyed me hungrily. While I do appreciate the safety netting, I found the large gaps of open water disconcerting, and I recommend complete coverage to prevent disaster in the future.
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After trying unsuccessfully to catch the attention of the locals, I made my escape by climbing the bushes until they bent over and dumped me back on land. But which land is that anyway? Nobody here can tell me where the Nolwyn Valley is, exactly. The locals claim we're somewhere in Wales but it looks more like a continental Feldbahn with some slate hastily scattered around for show. The stock certainly seems a curious mix of both areas.
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Crossing Gates
Safety in the vincinity of the halt (there appears to be just the one) has slightly improved with the recent addition of a set of crossing gates, but with little to no fencing on either side they're little more than a suggestion. The sheep certainly don't seem to be bothered. I recommend they repair the slipshod attempts at slate fencing and add new fencing to properly enclose the right-of-way. A set of lamps on the crossing gates would also not be remiss, I'm sure.
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Strange Vegetation
The flowering trees just past the end of the station platform have grown completely out of control, blocking all but the smallest stock from passing and restricting access to the rickety water tower. (Replacement or renewal recommended.) The wild branches are a hazard and a menace and I have recommended that until the trees are trimmed the section beyond must be closed completely. I was shocked when I spoke to the stationmistress about their brush-clearing policy up to this point, which was (I quote) "run it and see what sticks".
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Thoughts on the larger diesel Roderick
The railway manager is very proud of this great brute of a diesel and the staff have been trotting it out every chance they get... evidently it's a recent acquisition and they are desperate to show it off. Unfortunately I can't help but think whatever they spent to get it should've been spent on permanent way maintenance instead. The track is barely heavy enough to safely carry such a beast as it is, it's only a matter of time before something catastrophic--
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I've had worse
I had heard hushed rumors of my storied predecessor Mr. Isle losing limbs in the line of duty, but I'd never expected it to happen on my first trip. Hopefully they can find the rest of my leg and pack it on ice until it can be reattached. With the wonders of modern medicine I'm sure they'll have me out and about again in no time.
I must say that I was a bit surprised that he didn't pick up on the rather poorly looking "Moke"??
If you need a box to send him on to Scrat, I still have the stl's for the box I printed for the previous inspector, if you want them? How tall is your guy, he looks about the same size?
philipy wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2024 5:00 pm
I must say that I was a bit surprised that he didn't pick up on the rather poorly looking "Moke"??
He was a bit distracted by all of the other violations! Moke's hood was not made for this chassis and does not fit very well, and in the former Nolwyn Quarry they just kept that end pointed uphill so it looked all right.
