A Real Heavy Duty Engine

[EDankievitch]

Just thought that I would share this with everyone. The Essex Steam Train in Essex Ct has just finished restoring a 1989 Chinese SY Steam Engine. China was the last country to be building Steam engines up until about 1995 give or take a bit. Essex had bought one in 89 for it's tourist railroad, it was an awesome loco they had it until about 1995 when it was sold to a line in Nj where it still runs today, now known as umber 142. This Loco that they just finished restoring was shipped to the USA on the same ship as their first one only it went to a line in Pa. Around 2006 it was almost destroyed in an engine house fire. View attachment 79114 The staff at Essex bought the burnt rusty hulk and over the past two years worked to bring it back to life. The staff chose to rebuild it as if it was owned by the New Haven railroad. New Haven had owned the line that the Essex Steam train runs on today. The Locomotive is going to be a nice addition to the two old Alcos that Essex has been running for over the past 40 years. If your ever in Ct take a trip on the Essex Steam Train and river Boat, Exit 69 off of I95.



View attachment 79113[/ATTACH]

 

[JLEONARD]

Cool. I have never been on that ride, however I have seen it underway a few times from my boat while cruising up the CT River.

 

[Nyoest]

Sweet engine. They brought the challenger through last summer and that was awe inspiring.

 

[icman95]

I rode on the train once several years ago. If I'm not mistaken, I think for about $300 ( back then prices) they will let you drive the train under supervision. Now THAT would be an experience!

 

[EDankievitch]

Yes they still offer the "Your Hand on the Throttle" program It's a lot more than $300 these days but where else can you get to run a Steam Locomotive? I'm hoping that funds permit to I can do it this spring.

 

[JLEONARD]

I was lucky enough to be able to run the steam powered "Sabino" tour boat from the Mystic Seaport a few years ago. A friend was the captain at the time and he let a few of us take turns running it.

It was very cool.

 

[EDankievitch]

Is that boat still running? The only steam boat that I've been on is the Mini HaHa on lake George...

 

[JLEONARD]

Yes it is still in operation. Every day in the spring, summer, fall.

 

[EDankievitch]

Guess I'll have to take a trip up there and check it out. Thanks...

 

[JMetzger]

Took the boat ride & the train ride several years ago while visiting our son & family. It is well worth the time to do it.

 

[EDankievitch]

This past Spring I was given a chance of a life time. And I thank my future partner for making it happen for me. I knew I love her for a good reason.
Every kid growing up dreams of running a train, for me it has always been a dream to run a Steam engine. Let me tell you running something that weighs in at just over 306,000 Lbs. and makes over 1500 horsepower is a rush The Essex Steam train offers this. While it's not cheap about $500 for an hours time with the Locomotive it's worth every penny. If your in Ct stop by and give the Essex Steam train (Exit 69 on I95) a ride. The "Your Hand on the Throttle" program sells out fast and is only offered in the early spring and Fall. visit their web site for more info. www.Essex Steam Train.com While your there plan a stay at the Griswald inn America's oldest inn or The River Wind Inn B@B, your partner will thank you.

 

[JLEONARD]

Looks like you had a great time. Cool!!

 

[Wayne M.]

That's real nice! I'm gonna have to put that ride on my list. I know its a touch west, but what should be on everyone's list is Steamtown in Scranton, Pa.
I wonder if there's enough of us TDR folks to have a roundup at mystic or another cool place like that?

 

[jgillott]

That's real nice! I'm gonna have to put that ride on my list. I know its a touch west, but what should be on everyone's list is Steamtown in Scranton, Pa.
I wonder if there's enough of us TDR folks to have a roundup at mystic or another cool place like that?

I'm heading through Scranton again this week. Probably through there 6-8 times a year or so. As many years as I've been making that trip, I've never taken the time to stop at steamtown.

 

[EDankievitch]

Steam town is an awesome place but sadly there is no running steam loco's they blew all their money on the buildings and displays. They do have a U.P. Big Boy and a cut away loco that's worth the trip. I'd be up for a TDR meet at Mystic seaport They have an awesome wooden boat show that I've wanted to see every spring. Hey Mr. Patton (sp?) what you think? Road trip? And yes I had an awesome time up in the cab it was mind blowing how fast that heavy loco responded both starting and stopping. Granted it was just the Loco they don't let you move anything else with it but still I so want to do it again. Now if I could just figure out how to make my commute to work in Bridgeport work I would move there and never leave....

 

[Wayne M.]

Hey ED, how current is your info? About steamtown not having live steam?

 

[EDankievitch]

I was there in the spring and the only engines that use to be able run were in many pieces. I spoke with some of the staff and they said unless there is a influx of money of which the FED Gov has none, they would not have any thing running this year.

 

[jgillott]

I'm going to try and stop by sometime this week if all goes well. If I do, I'll let you know what's happening there.

 

[EDankievitch]

Be sure to check out the 0-6-0 switcher that they have on display it's all opened up so you can see the insides.

 

[JR]

That's real nice! I'm gonna have to put that ride on my list. I know its a touch west, but what should be on everyone's list is Steamtown in Scranton, Pa.
I wonder if there's enough of us TDR folks to have a roundup at mystic or another cool place like that?

It's a bit of a stretch for me (300+ miles) but I would be up for something like that. Would be a good opportunity to meet some of the folks on here.