robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

from my archives Dec 20, 2014
The fireman is also the oiler and does the oiling and greasing of the moving parts. This loco is an oil burner or he would be even dirtier from the coal dust. The loco was decorated with gold strings of tinsel and small christmas trees for pulling our Christmas/Santa Train.

Canon 6D, 24-105 f/4 L @ 105, 1/200 @ f/4, ISO-250
handheld in afternoon light from behind me at almost 4PM

processed to show off the dirty grungy nature of the Steam Crew's job
color OOC to show what I started with

for those with long memories, yes I put up versions of these years ago, I redid them for Create 52's weekly theme of bland and white over on Facebook

Working in the cab or close to a steam loco that has been running a while and is "Hot" does get you hot. Even on the coldest days of our So Cal winters the crew is sweating in the cab or when working this close to all that hot iron and steel in a cloud of vented steam.

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DickC Loc: NE Washington state

Great photos, thanks!!

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Nice conversion, Robert. I do remember your oiler post from long ago.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thanks a lot.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Typically how far/long can they go between oilings? Like on a "long haul".

jack schade Loc: La Pine Oregon

Someone has to do it. Nice images.

jack

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thank you.
That was in a different space time continuum wasn't it?
I could even spend all day walking with my cameras without my left leg and hip screaming - "Abuse, I'm gonna stop working if you don't sit down somewhere with AC! Some cold Gatorade Zero would be nice too, I need electrolytes."

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Great shot and I really like the treatment.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

They have automatic oilers but everytime they stop the crew checks and oils some things or slop on some grease if needed. The extreme heat of a running hot locomotive melts the oil and grease pretty fast. They also have to stop for fuel: wood, coal, fuel oil. Some railroads specified every 100 miles or so.
Since our 100 year old fully restored steamer (built in 1922) is a very valuable piece of machinery it gets babied. Every so many years it gets torn down, inspected, parts repaired or replaced and recertified by the FRA so we can actually run it with passengers etc. Starting in Oct 2021 it started its "second century" inspection and rebuild. Crews are also working on a much bigger steamer and a smaller 3 foot gauge steamer they hope to one day have running on their own as a regular part of the museum. The track crew will also have to put in at least 1/4-1/2 miles of track beside the standard gauge on our right of way for the 3 foot gauge as all we have now is the tracks in the car barn where they are stored and a couple of sidings, with a water tank and turntable.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

They sure are maintenance intensive aren't they?

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Yes, just not me, thank you. I prefer being a streetcar motorman, conductor on large street cars or the train or sit in the AC of the office and be the announcer for big events. I am debating volunteering to announce the Thomas the Tank Engine Festiva this November. Thanks to Covid, age and having asthma (and a wife who is a retired OR Nurse=germaphobe on steroids) I haven't taken part in anything since late summer of 2019. I keep up my dues to help finance the museum and keep track of things through the web site.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Thank you very much.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Nice PP
Love it
Thanks for sharing