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Ohio Central Steam
NEW PICS -
11/5/07
2-8-4 #763
NEW PICS
- 9/18/07
2-8-0 #33
NEW PICS - 9/18/07
4-6-2 #1293
4-8-4 #6325
4-6-0 #1551
2-8-0 #13
0-4-0 #3
4-6-2 #1278
2-6-0 #96 |
6325 Under Steam Again!
by Mark C. Perri
On March 20, 2001, at the railroad's Morgan Run shops near Coshocton,
Ohio, the Ohio Central Railroad fired-up ex-GTW 4-8-4 # 6325. This
represented the culmination of almost two and a half years of work, in
a project that will transform the 6325 from a static exhibit at a Battle
Creek, Michigan park to a completely rebuilt, operating locomotive that
complies with and exceeds the FRA's new Steam Locomotive Regulations.
The work has been performed at Morgan Run by the railroad's steam crew,
Tim Sposato, Jason Johnson, Grant Geist, Scott Czigans, and a handful of
volunteers. In addition, major work, such as driver reprofiling, journal
turning and polishing, and crankpin turning, polishing, and quartering,
has been done with the help of TVRM crews in Chattanooga. Chief
Mechanical Officer Tim Sposato elaborates " what we basically got was a
'kit'...and many parts had to be fabricated from scratch"....for example,
all new superheater tubes were installed.
Highlights of the rebuild include: complete firebox & boiler inspection,
including interior descaling and painting, replacement of over 600
staybolt caps & sleeves, conversion to 26L air brake system and the
addition of a spare air compressor, all new driver springs and renewed
spring and brake rigging, complete frame inspection, and of course , new
insulation and jacketing. The front and rear trucks were rebuilt.
The process has proven to be somewhat of an archaelogical experience-
with the crew discovering parts from other locomotives, especially the
6317 and 6331. In addition, the welder that prepared the locomotive for
storage, upon welding the firebox doors shut, inscribed his name above
the opening, and dated it, October, 1959!
The Ohio Central plans to run the locomotive as part of its expanded
steam program. Currently, engine #1551 will be the "regular"
locomotive, operating a summer season with regularly scheduled excursions
out of Sugar Creek, Ohio. The 6325 is slated to power the road's
"mainline" excursions, sponsored by the railroad and other groups,
departing such places as the restored Dennison depot on the ex-Pennsy
"panhandle" main. The 6325 will be available for lease if off-line
operations should develop.
While a nod will be made to the locomotive's Grand Trunk heritage, and
the engine may even run with the GT logo for a few trips, it will be
decorated in an Ohio Central livery. The railroad has an ambitious goal
of running the 6325 this summer, although much work remains to be
completed. Needless to say, the thoroughness of the rebuild will not be
sacrificed for the sake of meeting a deadline, regardless of how anxious
the crew is!
In this day and age, with the complexities of running a railroad, the
committment of time and resources to a project of this scope can only be
considered a labor of love. Many dedicated employees, under the
direction of Jerry Jacobsen, CEO of the Ohio Central, have quietly grown
the railroad from an upstart shortline in 1988 to a growing, regional
provider of freight service, and the area's premier steam-powered tourist
attraction.
This article appeared in the June 2001 issue of Railfan & Railroad Magazine P. 44 |
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