Winterized

The Braddock Heights Cagney was winterized on Sunday, November 2, 2014. The Boiler was drained of water, the smokebox and flues were cleaned and vacuumed, the firebox was emptied of ash and the Cagney was put in its trailer for the winter. For those who don't know, winterizing is done to prepare the engine for winter and prevent water in the boiler from freezing and cracking, much like pipes in a home. The smokebox and firebox were cleared to prevent the acidic ash and soot from corroding the firebox or smokebox. Next spring before the engine is run, a hydrostatic test must be done on the locomotive to ensure safe operation for the next year. A hydrostatic test consists of filling the boiler with water and pressurizing it to 1 1/2 times the normal operating pressure of 125 psi. The use of water makes checking for leaks easier and safer in the event of failure and there isn't a chance of the crown sheet melting in the event of failure. After the boiler passes the test, the 2015 run season will begin, otherwise, necessary work will be done to the locomotive to ensure the safe operation of the locomotive.

Halloween Steam Success

The Braddock Heights Cagney ran on October 31, 2014 and was a great success. We mounted a battery powered headlight on the front of the engine, green class lights (they were placed more like ditch lights), cab lights and two flashing red rear lights. The engine didn't complain and ran very well, many people came and rode the engine and there were no injuries. It was a tad chilly but didn't affect the Blue Mt Railway. A video will be uploaded sometime soon and we hope to make this a yearly tradition.