Calm before the storm

[Alec K]

And we had the temerity to think it was a bit rough here! Thank goodness for your reliable wood stove, Shawn - just stay inside and keep warm. The video is quite enough to stir the imagination.

Alec K

 

[Shawn]

Now that the winds have finalley died down the crew was able to get out and open the line. It took them almost a day to dig out. Alot done by hand and the plow. The lowlands did not receive as much and mainly delt with wind swept snows. The Backcountry was a different story. The snow was higher then the trains. Ralphy helped clear all the fallen trees while Ken and Jon cleared the track for Andy.
The guys are checking the Cumberland trestle for any damage.

Train got stuck Ken digging out the wheels.

Ralphy and Jon taking a short brake after getting over the Cumberland

Ralphy and ken checking on Mr. Russell.

Ken digging out the front door to Mr. Russells

Thank god Mr. Russell is ok. Good thing for that down coat.

 

[Alec K]

Brilliant! Glad you've emerged yourself, Shawn.

All the best

Alec K

 

[Richie]

Cracking shots Shawn

 

[Shawn]

Thanks guys
Now that the line was cleared trains were bale to run again. The guys had the oppertunity to run a few engines. They even allowed the PA 0-4-0 pass through since a section of their line was burried in snow.
Forney going through the lowlands. Thanks to the wind not much had to be cleared.

Coming out of Culvers Gap Tunnel. The guys had to clear a small acvalanch that covered the entrance.

Ralphy was able to climb to the base of the Fire Tower and took this shot. just before the Forney went through the Culver gap Tunnel. Those snowshoes really helped him.

Back breaking work clearing this wall of snow.

Ralphy and Mr. Russell siting above the wall of snow looking down at the engine. Mr. Russell is deathly afraid of heights. Ralphy will hold his hand.

Now it is time to take the Big John out with the work caboose. Nice shadow against the snow.

At the Hainsville yard. The ccrew did a great job at clearing the yard area.

Now thats some deep snow.

Cumberland Gorge Trestle held up to the storm. Mr. Russell sure knows how to build a good trestle.

During the day a few small avalanches fell on the track. The guys used this oppertunity to use the new Climax.

Climax coming out of the tunnel. Had a close call with an avalanch. Only got the side of the engine.

A picture to end the day of running.

The Penn passing through. The line has never seen such a clean engine. (A freind of mine came over for the day to run trains. Great day temp 30F and no wind for once)

 

[garrymartin]

Absolutely superb, It made me shiver just looking at your pictures, no burst pipes I hope . I love the Forney too.
Cheers & good luck Garry

 

[C&S]

Great pictures, Shawn. The low evening light throwing the loco's shadow onto the snowdrift is particularly good.

 

[Shawn]

After working the last four days i finalley got to shovel my tracks out again (On sunday) Yesterday I had the Big John out running on battery power.

Of course today we got another 3 inches of snow and then freezing rain on top of that GRRRR. But I did manage to once again clear the line.

 

[bobg]

Cricks Shaun, you must be desparate to run. Good pics though (and fun I suspect).

 

[CoggesRailway]

i love it 100% commitment to runnign trains! scale 60 foot snow and still the freight gets to market...