Cass Railfan Weekend 2010

Sunday started with the traditional 3 train race and Heisler #6 was featured on the Log Train. ; I had a good shot of the race from my trip last year, so I staked out a good spot for the runbys at the watertower. ; Standing on the coal bin loading ramp, I got this photo of Shay #11 taking water as Heisler #6 pulls the log train down the former C&O Mainline. ; The structure in the background is what is left of the lumber mill:



Next, Big Six takes water while Heisler #6 pulls the log train down the mainline:



Next up were some runbys at the Leatherbark Creek Bridge (this time I knew where to stand). ; Here Shays #11 and #6 pull the passenger train over the bridge:



Here's the less often photographed fireman's side of the shay:



And then Heisler #6 pulls the log train:



Next, we had one runby of the log train at the "S" Curve below Whitaker:



During the runby, the pop valve on the Heisler stuck in the open position causing them to loose 70psi of steam before it closed[nb]The pop valve is supposed to only release 5psi to keep the boiler at or below maximum operating pressure. ; A second pop valve will lift if the pressure gets to 10psi above max operating pressure and will stay open until it drops down to a safe operating level[/nb]. ; While that's not a huge problem it is hard on the boiler and the decision was made to end the photo runbys for the day and send the locomotive back to the shop. ; After lunch and wood sports demonstration at Whitaker we headed back down the mountain for the last time. ; ;

 

absolutely first class stuff

 

Thanks guys!

 

This was my first Railfan Weekend at Cass and I had a great time. ; The pace is slower than a photo charter and they had more non-photography events (walking tour of the town, the Cass museum was open, etc) than you get at a strictly photography oriented event. ; The trade off is that you get less photo stops and less runbys out on the line because of the large number of people. ; If you want to get the full Cass experience I recommend staying in one of the restored Company Houses. ;