Shop News Updates
Updates to come!!
We are very sorry that we have no posted an update on anything in 2 years. We've used this time to rebuild a lot of engines, redesign the entire layout, and get rolling on fresh ideas for the grand reopening in 2015. We promise to post updates on engines and such very soon so check back here for the updates!!
May Shop Update!
We've been extremly busy lately! Finishing engines, aquiring more engines, and planning out the next few months. We have aquired 4 new locomotives in the last month! 3 steam and 1 diesel, 2 Southern Pacific 2-8-0s, a 2-6-6-2T, and a Western Pacific F7!
In addition to adding locomotives to the roster we've also finished the rebuilds of numerous engines! SCVR's #14 and 99 have been rebuilt and our now ready for the remainder of the Steam Season!
SP 2486 was finished in Mid-April and will operate mainline excursions every 2 months.
Santa Fe F7 #307 has also been finished off with a new frame!
Many good things have been happening for us lately and we are very fortunate to be able to have such good times as of recently. Our only issue is the increasing number of new and rebuilt locomotives and no new shops to house them in. That is our main focus presently, to purchase more shop buildings.
In addition to adding locomotives to the roster we've also finished the rebuilds of numerous engines! SCVR's #14 and 99 have been rebuilt and our now ready for the remainder of the Steam Season!
SP 2486 was finished in Mid-April and will operate mainline excursions every 2 months.
Santa Fe F7 #307 has also been finished off with a new frame!
Many good things have been happening for us lately and we are very fortunate to be able to have such good times as of recently. Our only issue is the increasing number of new and rebuilt locomotives and no new shops to house them in. That is our main focus presently, to purchase more shop buildings.
April Shop Update!
We've had a chance to get back to work since Hyde took a week off! Things are happening at a very rapid pace!
SP 2486 is being worked on, plans are to make a new drawbar for her out of wood.
Pennzoil 0-4-0 #12 has returned to service after am abscence of 3 months! Freshly repaired her drawbar, dusted her off, oiled her up and she was good to go! You'll see her out in the April Steam Up!
We also completed a major project of building from scratch a new shunter! We took the remains of our 44 tonner #50, cut the body in half, took the working truck, shaped a lot of wood, cut the truck mount from the frame, put that all together, took sideframes off an old engine and thus our new shunter was born! She is the perfect size for the turntable and will be used actively! Entirely homebuilt in two days!
We added another turntable expansion! Right in between the red and auxilary shop! The purpose for this track installation is to reduce the amount of engines sitting in front of the shops.
On our newest arrival, a Southern Pacific 2-6-2 Prairie #1905 a lot of work has been done! First off the drivers were dropped and fully cleaned, we did a lot of paint touch up, and we are currently working on improving her motor wires! Were hoping to get her ready for the April Steam Up!
SP 2486 is being worked on, plans are to make a new drawbar for her out of wood.
Pennzoil 0-4-0 #12 has returned to service after am abscence of 3 months! Freshly repaired her drawbar, dusted her off, oiled her up and she was good to go! You'll see her out in the April Steam Up!
We also completed a major project of building from scratch a new shunter! We took the remains of our 44 tonner #50, cut the body in half, took the working truck, shaped a lot of wood, cut the truck mount from the frame, put that all together, took sideframes off an old engine and thus our new shunter was born! She is the perfect size for the turntable and will be used actively! Entirely homebuilt in two days!
We added another turntable expansion! Right in between the red and auxilary shop! The purpose for this track installation is to reduce the amount of engines sitting in front of the shops.
On our newest arrival, a Southern Pacific 2-6-2 Prairie #1905 a lot of work has been done! First off the drivers were dropped and fully cleaned, we did a lot of paint touch up, and we are currently working on improving her motor wires! Were hoping to get her ready for the April Steam Up!
February Shop Update!
We've been pretty quiet ever since the grand opening. Hyde went back to work on his private projects so the SCVR has mostly just sat idle.
We are working on a few things but not many. Our Southern Pacific 4-6-2 #2486 is again out of service due to a broken drawbar. We also repaired her left side valve guide and rods. We are looking into the drawbar repairs and will complete them soon to get the locomotive out and ready for the March SCVR Steam Up!
Pennzoil 0-4-0 #12 has been out of service since the Grand Opening. She too broke her drawbar and has been sitting out of service ever since. She isn't a priority being a smaller 0-4-0 type. Right now we have plenty of operational locomotives so she won't be worked on for a little while.
"Project 14" has been transfered back to the SCVR. For a while the SCVR 0-6-0 #14 was being rebuilt by Hyde's Seybold Locomotive Works. The drivers were repaired, rods cleaned and installed, boiler repainted, and they were to finish the project they already had other projects stacking up and we didn't have much going on so now it's an SCVR project and is sitting in the main shop. She needs a new tender, new crankpins, new valve guides, and a new motor.
The main thing we need before we can work on engines like #9 and #14 is more shops! We already have plans for a new auxilary shop and a shop next to the red shop. We can only add 3 more shops before we have no room. Once we get all 3 of those shops we can have more projects being worked on!
We are working on a few things but not many. Our Southern Pacific 4-6-2 #2486 is again out of service due to a broken drawbar. We also repaired her left side valve guide and rods. We are looking into the drawbar repairs and will complete them soon to get the locomotive out and ready for the March SCVR Steam Up!
Pennzoil 0-4-0 #12 has been out of service since the Grand Opening. She too broke her drawbar and has been sitting out of service ever since. She isn't a priority being a smaller 0-4-0 type. Right now we have plenty of operational locomotives so she won't be worked on for a little while.
"Project 14" has been transfered back to the SCVR. For a while the SCVR 0-6-0 #14 was being rebuilt by Hyde's Seybold Locomotive Works. The drivers were repaired, rods cleaned and installed, boiler repainted, and they were to finish the project they already had other projects stacking up and we didn't have much going on so now it's an SCVR project and is sitting in the main shop. She needs a new tender, new crankpins, new valve guides, and a new motor.
The main thing we need before we can work on engines like #9 and #14 is more shops! We already have plans for a new auxilary shop and a shop next to the red shop. We can only add 3 more shops before we have no room. Once we get all 3 of those shops we can have more projects being worked on!
SCVR Officially Opened!!
On January 5th, 2012 the SCVR had its' Grand Opening! Many months of hard work and anticipation were spent getting our line ready for its grand opening! This was a 2 day event and we ran every operational steamer we had! The event was a huge success and was enjoyed by everyone who came! Now we will have our one weekend a month steam ups. Also with the new year we've decided to have diesel excursions one weekend a month so our diesels can be used more. We had a few mechanical issues with locomotives #5 and #12 but other than that everything came out great! We will try to plan and post our schedule but it's just so hard to secure a certain weekend with Hyde constantly busy. Thank you to all who came out and supported! There is a youtube video of the complete grand opening! Just type in SCVR Grand Opening.
SP 4-6-2 #2486 Returns to Operation!!
On December 19th, 2012 our owner/operator and lead mechanic Hyde Seybold went on the daunting task to return our favorite main line steamer, Southern Pacific 4-6-2 #2486! Using the frame off the newly donated UP 4-6-2 #4073, Hyde took many hours to fit 2486s boiler, tender, and pilot beam onto #4073s frame! New screws for the drawbar were added and an entire clean and oiling was done on the old motor and running gear! Today she is ready to last for years to come! And now that its a different motor it will last us a long time and not burn out!
Line closed till January 2nd, 2013
We've decided to remain closed till our grand opening on January 2nd, 2013. There are many good reasons behind this, well one our line isn't done and won't be done till likely right before christmas, and we don't have a good steam fleet ready at the time. By January 2nd, we will have over 5 new steamers and be totally ready for the new year! We've also aquired 3 more diesels and have many other trade deals in progress right now! Our locomotive roster page will be updated right away!
SCVR Line Update!
Well, we've been trying very hard to get our line finished for the first weekend of December so we can open to the public for a December SCVR Steam Up! We're very close but yet still for far. All we need is a lot more ballast before we can officially open to the public! In the mean time we've been working on numerous locomotives and freight cars and establishing many trade deals! In our December Steam Up we are considering firing up EVERY operable steam locomotive we have to end the year with a bang! We have not yet decided on whether or not to do that but we're adding more turntable tracks so we can store more equipment near the roundhouse. We finished the SCVR equipment siding which is next to the main shop and future auxilary shop. We are also soon to be aquiring about 6 engines! 3 of them are just being sent to us for repair and going to be sent back once completed but the other 3 are being sold to us! Our newly donated 4-6-2 is at Hyde's brothers storage facility for now until we can move it here. Shop expansions are in the works as we speak!
Union Pacific 4-6-2 donated to the SCVR!!
On November 13th, 2012, a gracious private collector in the Los Angeles area donated an old Mantua 4-6-2 Union Pacific #4073 to the SCVR! The former owner didn't have any use for it and tried to sell it to Hyde before, he said he was intrested but didn't have the money for it at the moment so the deal was put off. Hyde and the owner came in contact again and became closer friends then one day while hyde complimented a B&O 4-6-2 that the owner also had and Hyde aknowlidged that he'd want one someday, the owner remembered the UP 4-6-2 that he had and offered it to the SCVR as a donation! Hyde quickly jumped on the offer and immediately a deal was finalized! The locomotive is said to be in excellent condition and will just need to be gone through and maybe a few paint touch ups though the paint will stay original for now. The locomotive is expect to leave by tommorow and luckily the owner lives only 2 hours away from Hyde! So it should be here in two or three days! We can't thank him enough for his generous contribution!
2 new locos added to the SCVR!!
On November 13th, 2012, Hyde approved the addition of 2 steam
locomotives which are in kit form to say the least. One of the locomotives is a
1974 Rivarossi 0-8-0 which belonged to Hyde's father Jody for many years. In
2007 when Jody's collection switched over to Hyde's ownership, this basket case
of an engine was never really evaluated for restoration because back then for
startes the SCVR didn't exsist but another thing was that we didn't have the
tools nor facilities to rebuild an engine in that bad of condition. Essentially
it was mearly rusting into the ground and falling apart until 2010 when it was
stripped down completely and there she sat for years. Her boiler was sold soon
after being we didn't have any plans to put her back in service. That all
changed when the Seybold Locomotive Works was formed. Now Hyde had everything he
needed to rebuild old #102. The shop wasn't built only for #102, in fact it
didn't even have to do with her at all. Hyde was looking for some parts in his
restoration yard in the main fleets storage facility and he saw 102 scattered
everywhere. Hyde knew then he wasn't gonna let her continue to rot into
oblivion. He moved 102 to his shop initially just for frame repair and to put
back together the torn apart running gear, from there they would see if any
intrest in rebuilding her would arrise. One way or another it turned into a full
on restoration project by Hyde and his Seybold Locomotive Works crew! It
recieved frame and wheel repairs, tender repairs, and rod clean up, and motor
work. Today the project is very far along but has a long way to go! Hyde is
currently working with a friend of his to aqurie the needed parts to fnish #102!
All she needs is a new boiler, 3rd drive wheel, new wiring, and a new pilot
beam. Hyde will install all these when they can be purchased! It is stored in
his Seybold Locomotive Works and will be finished by them sometime in
2013.
The other locomotive is a Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2 Southern
#1491. Purchased in 2009 by Hyde and his main fleet crew, it ran for a year and
a half before coming out of service with broken wiring in the tender and motor.
It was torn apart in 2011 for much needed wheel work. Work was never finished
and she was just reassembled. She then was moved behind the SCVR's shop in
summer 2011 for storage. There she sat for nearly a year then that space was
needed once more SCVR locos were aquired, 1491 was moved back to the main fleet
storage facility. She was again taken apart for evaluation in summer 2012. What
they found would certainly discourage any other railway but not Hyde and the
SCVR! This locomotive was incredibly far gone but not unrestorable, much the
same goes for #102. There was little intrest in restoring her becase of her
deplorable condition wit hthe main fleet plus there was little need for her
there. Hyde finally decided to approve the restoration project, not only that
but make her an SCVR locomotive at the same time! With 2486 out of service for a
long time to come we need a new mainline steamer! 1491 will take a TON of hours
and large amounts of cash for the parts but she will be completed in spring
2013!
On November 13th, 2012, Hyde approved the addition of 2 steam
locomotives which are in kit form to say the least. One of the locomotives is a
1974 Rivarossi 0-8-0 which belonged to Hyde's father Jody for many years. In
2007 when Jody's collection switched over to Hyde's ownership, this basket case
of an engine was never really evaluated for restoration because back then for
startes the SCVR didn't exsist but another thing was that we didn't have the
tools nor facilities to rebuild an engine in that bad of condition. Essentially
it was mearly rusting into the ground and falling apart until 2010 when it was
stripped down completely and there she sat for years. Her boiler was sold soon
after being we didn't have any plans to put her back in service. That all
changed when the Seybold Locomotive Works was formed. Now Hyde had everything he
needed to rebuild old #102. The shop wasn't built only for #102, in fact it
didn't even have to do with her at all. Hyde was looking for some parts in his
restoration yard in the main fleets storage facility and he saw 102 scattered
everywhere. Hyde knew then he wasn't gonna let her continue to rot into
oblivion. He moved 102 to his shop initially just for frame repair and to put
back together the torn apart running gear, from there they would see if any
intrest in rebuilding her would arrise. One way or another it turned into a full
on restoration project by Hyde and his Seybold Locomotive Works crew! It
recieved frame and wheel repairs, tender repairs, and rod clean up, and motor
work. Today the project is very far along but has a long way to go! Hyde is
currently working with a friend of his to aqurie the needed parts to fnish #102!
All she needs is a new boiler, 3rd drive wheel, new wiring, and a new pilot
beam. Hyde will install all these when they can be purchased! It is stored in
his Seybold Locomotive Works and will be finished by them sometime in
2013.
The other locomotive is a Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2 Southern
#1491. Purchased in 2009 by Hyde and his main fleet crew, it ran for a year and
a half before coming out of service with broken wiring in the tender and motor.
It was torn apart in 2011 for much needed wheel work. Work was never finished
and she was just reassembled. She then was moved behind the SCVR's shop in
summer 2011 for storage. There she sat for nearly a year then that space was
needed once more SCVR locos were aquired, 1491 was moved back to the main fleet
storage facility. She was again taken apart for evaluation in summer 2012. What
they found would certainly discourage any other railway but not Hyde and the
SCVR! This locomotive was incredibly far gone but not unrestorable, much the
same goes for #102. There was little intrest in restoring her becase of her
deplorable condition wit hthe main fleet plus there was little need for her
there. Hyde finally decided to approve the restoration project, not only that
but make her an SCVR locomotive at the same time! With 2486 out of service for a
long time to come we need a new mainline steamer! 1491 will take a TON of hours
and large amounts of cash for the parts but she will be completed in spring
2013!
November SCVR Steam Up Canceled
We are disappointed to announce that there will NOT be a Steam UP event this month! We can't be sure that we will finish our line this month so the next SCVR Steam Up is scheduled to be the first weekend in December. We are aiming to complete our line before then! Sorry for the inconvience!
New Line Construction Progress!!
In the 3 days of construction so far we've made tons of progress! 90% of the track is laid and in its proper location! The Roundhouse, Turntable, Auxilary shop, red shop, and main shop are now on and rail has been connected and all works!! The new freight yard has been finished and is ballasted as is the staging are spur! The Seybold Locomotive Works is now place seperate from our SCVR shops and is connected! We just need 2 more corners for the outside mainline before ballasting on the mainlines will begin!!
New Line Construction Begins!!
On Saturday, October 27th, 2012, we started the construction of our bigger, better line! All the main work is done! All that's left is to set it on the prebuilt saw horses! This new board is 5-1/2 feet X 9 feet! Way bigger than are old board so we will no doubt be able to do every planned project and MORE on this new line! It will be finished on October 28th, 2012. We plan to have track work done in about 2-3 weeks.
UP 2528 returns to operation!!
On October 20th, 2012 our Union Pacific 2-8-2 #2528 was fired up and run down the tracks for the first time since her aqusition! We mean fully operate without need of assistance, a few days ago we did get her operable but she needed a lot of adjusting and after some rod work she is now fully operable! #2528 made her inaugural run today, the 20th, pulling our CSX baggage and SP baywindow caboose! We only have a test track to run her on but it's larger enough for some good use! There were not any issues on her now! However she isn't a perfect runner like most of our engines and because of this she will only run on ocasion or special events on SCVR steam ups in the future! Job well done to Hyde and his Seybold Locomotive Works! Top notch repairs which included 2 new axles for the 2nd and 3rd drivers, reallignment on all drivers, rod repair, split frame adjustments, and valve gear hanger repairs! All this is now done! Now onto the next project!
UP 2-8-2 #2528 Update: 10/17/12
Well since the last update we have made huge progress in the return of our 2-8-2 #2528! After we finished the sealing and resetting of the axles we reassembled her frame assembly for tests and she ran for the first time! She required a nudge here and there to keep her running consistantly but now we know our repairs are starting to pay off! Now lets make something clear, she may have run down the tracks but it sure wasn't the prettiest sight in the world! Suprisingly she did run fairly well but she needs a lot of adjustments before we can even think of letting her pull something! We did some additional work to her valve gear hanger so we will try tommorow to see if this helps! We are very pleased at the way the Seybold Locomotive Works is treating her! Most of our members are on break being we don't have a line or location to store our collection! It's all stored off cite for now so Hyde and his Seybold Locomotive Works crew have been handling the repairs on #2528 as well as SCVR #99, #14, and various other projects from the main fleet and his personal collection! Hyde hopes to have #2528 up and running by the end of the week! So stay tuned!
UP 2-8-2 #2528 Repair Progress: October 2012
We are continuously working on the various repairs that our newly aquired 2-8-2 #2528 needs! We are starting to rap up the repairs! Additional frame work has been completed and now all that's left is some axle adjustments on the 3rd driver! We put her on the test track after some repairs a few days ago and she made a full wheel rotation! This is the greatest sign of progress we've seen all month long so we know we're close to being done! We did install 2 new axles about a month ago. Now they just need to be set properly and sealed up!
SCVR #2 Work Update: Fall 2012
Well guys I've been making a lot of progress on my 0-6-0 #2! Recently I finished the frame work it needed on its' axle slots in order to get smooth wheel rotation. Once this was completed we put the wheels back under the frame for a rolling test! After she passed I installed her right side main rod! After another rolling test she passed again! Her right side main rod is now attatched and will remain on the locomotive! Her left side main rod has a severe crack in the U-Bend of the rod where it connects to the crosshead. Major remachining will take place to repair the rod and get it installed! #2s valve guides have been fully repaired and are set in the proper positions! For now #2 just has 1 main rod and bot hher side rods attached so she is mobile, so we can move her around when needed. Thats all for now! -Hyde Seybold
New SCVR Roundhouse Built!!
On October 9th, 2012, we finished a MAJOR milestone! We purchased and built a 3 stall roundhouse! The turntable roundhouse has long been a dream of mine and now it's a reality! This matching roundhouse goes with the turntable we purchased a few months ago! The locomotives that will go in it on our new line will be, 7809, 425, and 1608! We are very happy to have completed this milestone! Now all we need to do is aquire a bigger Auxilary shop to replace our current one! This will be done in a few months!
UP 2-8-2 #2528 Repair Update:10/2/12
After multiple techniques we were finally able t oget our 2-8-2 #2528s motor working fabulously again! We had to adjust the contact points and the wire that touches both frames, see this older style Bachmann locomotive is called a "split frame" because it has two sides and they join together but you can split them apart hence the name "split frame." Anyways we reassembled the frame and now it works great! Now all we have to do is install 2 new axles before it's running down the tracks!
SCVR #99s Restoration presses towards completion!
In Late September 2012 we apprived the plans to use SCVR 0-6-0 #14 for parts to finish #99. Now this decision starts flame wars, but you have to take into consideration that #14 needed constant work just to keep up with federal regulations and she wasn't used much. #99 is a much better locomotive to look at. So #14 was completely stripped to the frame and that same day we put together #99s new frame assembly! #99 got all the parts she needed, crankpins, valve guides, tender handrails, and a new couple pocket! Additional motor work is required before we can start operational tests! The frame assembly is done and passed both rolling tests so it's good to go! Just some tender and motor work and this huge project will be done! If you're wondering when her first run will be you will sadly have to wait. There could be more issues that need to be solved but don't worry we'll figure out a date. However we still don't have a line to run on! So it's likely not to be till november. Stay Tuned!
4 locomotives and 1 coach purchased!
On September 29th, 2012 we purchased 4 new locomotives and 1 new coach! three units are athearn. Another is a Bachmann 2-8-2. Two are F7as, 1 powered, 1 dummy, the other unit is a GP9. The powered F7a has been cleaned and lubricated and is runnign strong! The dumym has all new couplers so both units are ready for excursions on our new line in a few months! The GP9 needs a new belt drive, but we were able to fire up the motor and let it run for a while so it's ready to run! We will be aquiring the belts soon and be cleaning it up within the next few months! We love our new SP equipment! The bachmann 2-8-2 did run at first but then 2 of her drive axles cracked and were repaired but then it wouldn't run. The locomotive will be taken apart and repaired!
The Seybold Locomotive Works has been busy!
For the last week or so I've been working very hard on projects in my new Seybold Locomotive Works shop! In 2007 when I inherited my fathers collection of locomotives and rolling stock, a Rivarossi 0-8-0 was in the mix. However, this engine ws in rough shape and I never really made any attempts at repairing it. In 2010 I sold the boiler online, that is a huge regret now that I have started the project. When the entire engine was finally torn apart in 2010 for evaluation, the running gear absolutely fell apart. When the SCVR came into play I said I would one day have the running gear enter the shop for repairs. For those who don't know, running gear, and or wheels and rods, are my specialty when it comes to repairs. I can make the wheels and rods shine once more! Anyways so I finally moved all of Indiana Harbor Belt 0-8-0 #102s running gear into the Seybold Locomotive Works shop so repairs could begin. On the first day all the rods were cleaned and they shine like new! This includes all the complex valve gear and side rods. Step two was to repair the badly damaged 2nd and 3rd drive wheels. The wheels had actually popped off the axle so they needed to be re-welded on. This is now completed but additional work is needed, such as adding the rivet capsule back in the wheel. Then the wheels will be painted and then cleaned completing wheel work! The frame off #102 is also in the shop for work. We will probably fabricate new front steps for it because her originals are broken off and not with us.
Also my 0-6-0 #2 has been moved into the SLW shop where she belongs. After #102s work work on #2 will continue. To avoid any confusion, #102 is NOT an SCVR locomotive or privately owned by me. It is a Seybold Locomotive Works project but in the future when she's completed it's unknown who gets ownership of the engine.
SCVR #7809s original tender is also being worked on at SLW, the tender trucks were painted to match and after some frame work it'll be done. These repairs are just being done so the tender can be used as a water tender and or auxilary tender on long excursions. More updates to come! -Hyde Seybold
Also my 0-6-0 #2 has been moved into the SLW shop where she belongs. After #102s work work on #2 will continue. To avoid any confusion, #102 is NOT an SCVR locomotive or privately owned by me. It is a Seybold Locomotive Works project but in the future when she's completed it's unknown who gets ownership of the engine.
SCVR #7809s original tender is also being worked on at SLW, the tender trucks were painted to match and after some frame work it'll be done. These repairs are just being done so the tender can be used as a water tender and or auxilary tender on long excursions. More updates to come! -Hyde Seybold
#102s newly repaired 2nd and 3rd drive wheels! They need additional work such as rivet tests, cleaning, and painting.
#102s cleaned rods!
Seybold Locomotive Works Shop Built!!
Our Founder/Owner Hyde has always wanted a seperate shop for his #3 the second the project turned a private leaf! Finally he was able to complete this mini dream! On Sunday, September 16th, he purchased the kit and assembled it same day! This proudly standing shop is just what he needed to keep his private projects, DLC 2-8-0 #3 and the newly aquired 0-6-0, #2. The shop is large enough to house #3 with some room left over for #2s drive wheels! The boiler, frame, motor, rods, and all parts off #2 will be kept inside the Seybold Locomotive Works shop where they will be worked on by him as time permits. Hyde has still not decided where he plans to place this marvelous shop on our new line when that gets done, likely its going to go next to the SCVR auxilary shop. Tours of Hyde's shop are not availible through us, you'd have to contact Hyde directly for permission to tour his shop and have him guide you around the stuff he works on in his spare time. Being a friendly guy he is likely to say yes to any requests to tour his shop. SCVR 0-4-0 #99 is expected to be stored outside his shop when its ready to be placed on its new location. No this does not mean #99 is a private project it just means work will be done in that shop but nothing is set in stone as of right now.
SCVR #2 Restoration Update: 9/14/12
I've been working very hard on my newest project, SCVR 0-6-0 #2. The wheel faces, rods, and boiler have been painted! I will be redoing the wheels later on, but much more work is still needed. I was trying to get her up an running to see how her motor would run, but a lot of frame and rod problems prevented me from doing so. I now have the locomotive stored off cite in pieces. while I had everything ready I did reassemble her for photos of what she'd look like all complete! She is an impressive site! I regret to inform you that all work on my #2 is pretty much halted now. It's nearly time to start constructing our new line and i've got to place orders for a new shop building that my private projects like #2 and #3 will be worked on in! It will be near the main shop but it is a single stall shop that can only fit #3, parts of #2 will be kept in the shop, but we'll figure it all out when the shop is built. Also a roundhouse for the SCVR is to be purchased, wrought iron fences, more track, and some rolling stock! I don't have any plans to restart work on #2 right now but most of the work is done! -Hyde Seybold
This is what she'll look like when done!
#2 borrowing 7809s tender
SCVR #2 Restoration Progress Report: 9/11/12
Work has been progressing very well on my private locomotive, SCVR #2! It has been stripped, and had almost all her repairs made! The frame, running gear, motor, and cylinders have been cleaned, repaired, and painted! The cab, yoke bar, and main rods were also painted! It took a couple hours but I finally cleaned up all her drive wheels! I had to remove decades of corrosion and dirt and it wasn't easy but now the wheels shine like new! The rivets that hold the holds in have also been cleaned up! After the wheels were cleaned I put them under the frame and oiled the axles for a rolling test, and i'm happy to say she passed! Her wheels need to be painted black for a matching look but don't worry I will mask the brass tires that conduct electricity. The frame is nearly fully reassembled, the cylinders, yoke bar, and coupler have been reinstalled! I plan to finish the frame in a few days! I still have to paint the boiler, side rods, and wheels. Work is progressing very well on my locomotive! -Hyde Seybold.
Look at #2s drive wheels shine!
The Two newly purchased locomotives arive!!
On September 10th, 2012 are two steam locomotives that we purchased off an auction have arrived in Santa Clarita! Hyde was the one to greet them and he was very impressed with both locomotives! After seeing the 0-6-0 with our own eyes it's clear Hyde has a LOT of work ahead of him but in time you will see this 0-6-0, SCVR #2, steaming down the new line. Not much work was done on the first day, mainly just inspecting them and evaluating the overall condition of the locomotives. #2 is planned to be worked on both off site at Hyde's storage facility and back at the SCVR home base. While the newest SCVR engine is B&O 0-4-0T #25! She is said to be in need of repairs so we will figure out whats wrong get her operable ASAP! We haven't checked to see if #2s rods fit #3, either way Hyde loves his newest locomotive!
Here's Hydes #2! Great overall condition, the reason it is, is because it has NO missing parts whats so ever! Well except the tender.
And here is the new B&O #25! No obvious problems standing out from an external inspection but an internal inspection will be required.
2 SCVR projects completed!!
On September 7th, 2012 we completed two of our main projects! The biggest was the repairs on modifications to our main shop, this included the new backwall and new rail. The rail slots had to be sanded down and that took about a week to get that all done. Then today we installed the rail which goes through the shop now and installed the new back wall! Everything is completed in regards to the shop so it's ready to be placed on our new line! The advantages of having all three tracks go through the shop is that we can have 3 tracks project outside the shop to store our out of service locomotives and projects, which will be rolling stock as well! So after two weeks our main shop looks fantastic!
Also the other project we finished was the complete rebuild of our newly aquired coach, ex NYC Diner #109. The coach had belonged to Hyde's main fleet but was rarely used. Realizing we could use it with our newly rebuilt heavyweights #1 and #2, he put it into SCVR ownership and we started the rebuild! This consisted of taking it apart, painting the body, frame, and trucks, reinstalling the windows and cleaning the wheels. It was a nice turn out in the end! It is now SCVR coach #3 and will be used with sister coaches #1 and #2!
Also the other project we finished was the complete rebuild of our newly aquired coach, ex NYC Diner #109. The coach had belonged to Hyde's main fleet but was rarely used. Realizing we could use it with our newly rebuilt heavyweights #1 and #2, he put it into SCVR ownership and we started the rebuild! This consisted of taking it apart, painting the body, frame, and trucks, reinstalling the windows and cleaning the wheels. It was a nice turn out in the end! It is now SCVR coach #3 and will be used with sister coaches #1 and #2!
SCVR purchases two new locomotives!!
For the last two weeks our Founder/Owner Hyde has been looking for a parts supplier 2-8-0 to finish his 2-8-0, DLC #3. After losing a couple auctions on potential engines, he found a listing that had been on ebay for months and never sold. It consisted of an old MDC-Roundhouse 0-6-0 switcher and a life-like 0-4-0 Teakettle identical to our #25. After some close examinations of the photos, Hyde decided to take a gamble and bid on them. We ended up winning with no competition! The reason it's a gamble is because the 0-6-0s main rods may not be the correct size for #3. Hyde knows that Roundhouse 0-6-0Ts rods don't fit because he tried #9s rods and they didn't fit, however the rods on this 0-6-0 had a few small differences. Hopefully the rods will fit #3 so his private project can be finished! If they don't fit then Hyde will just rebuild the 0-6-0. Regardless this 0-6-0 will be rebuilt to operation, we've got #9s rods on hand if her's fit #3. It's not hard to tell from the photos that the 0-6-0 is in rough shape! However this did not discourage Hyde because these are relatively simple engines to work on. Gradually she will be rebuilt to operation, and she will be lettered SCVR #2. We plan to aquire a tender for her in a few months. #2 may become another privately owned locomotive of Hyde's. This won't change anything, she will still run on our steam ups and other SCVR events, but it just means that the restoration is Hyde's responsiblity and it will not affect other on going projects. Hyde is going to purchase a single stall engine shop to house his private projects. The shop is only big enough to store #3 and maybe a few wheels but we will see. So #2 will be stored behind his shop and gradually worked on. The 0-4-0 Teakettle on the other hand will be a fine addition to the SCVR fleet! It is exactly the same as our #25 just different paint colors. Our #25 is out of service with wheel issues but we will be building a pilot and trailing wheel assembly for her to maker her a 2-4-2 for more stability, because when she was operational she offered a really rough ride! While undergoing frame repairs and modifications, her boiler and water tanks will be painted black and her number painted over. She will leave the shop as SCVR #4, being we plan to keep this new 0-4-0 in her original livery and being she is also #25 we don't want 3 #25s! They are expected to arrive within a week! Photos of their arrival will be posted here!
Here's the rough 0-6-0 Hyde just purchased! It may be rough but it's complete and has a lot of potential! Hyde will work his magic and when she's ready she will be look brand new!
SCVR 7809 Rebuild Update: 9/4/12
With no line to run on most of the SCVR steamers were relocated to the "Main Fleet's" storage facility. However, having no line to run on does give us more time to work on engines. Most of the crew is on vacation for the weekend being its labor day, but Hyde and a few of us have been actively working on the overhaul of SCVR 2-6-0 #7809. The locomotive has a very rich and colorful history with Hyde being his very first locomotive back in 1993! Knowing her history Hyde feels responsible for making her as good as ever! When her running gear locked up a few weeks ago we knew it was more then just repairs on the wheels. Hyde felt it was best to give the entire engine a complete overhaul "while we were at it." This way the engine would look factory fresh once our new line is completed. After the locomotive was disassembled, the boiler, footboards and cab left for Hyde's paint shop to recieve a new coat of shiny black! The parts returned days later and looked fantastic! It took two days to reassemble the boiler, this consisted of her handrails, bell, cab, boiler weight, and footboards. After the boiler was completed we moved onto the main focus, the frame. We took everything off the frame so that the frame could be painted. Once painted the frame joined the rest of 7809s parts in storage in the main fleets restoration yard. The next step was to repair the badly worn running gear, this was mostly just the wheels and axles. While yes the running gear was overhauled a few months prior, once everythign locked up it "undid" all the made repairs. Our goal during this overhaul was to make sure the repairs would last, and with shops like ours it's pretty simple. We laid temporary rail just outside the restoration yard so we could perform a rolling test on 7809s wheels to see where we were at as far as needed repairs. She failed the rolling test miserable the first time! The 2nd time around was a lot better after some repairs were made. We performed at least 7 rolling tests over the course of a few hours, each time applying a new repair. After the first three or so tests we started to see that the problem was with her rear wheel axle, aka her 3rd wheel axle. A simple way of describing the problem was that the space between the 3rd wheel and the frame was not equal, causing each rotation to be stopped midway being the wheel touched the frame. Once this was found we hammered the wheel straight then welded the spot where the axle touches the wheel. After some sanding she finally passed her rolling test with flying colors! The next day we thought we should attempt a test under power! Meaning reinstall the motor and test its performance. Once the motor assembly was reinstalled, we made sure everything was in the right place and we started the test! Upon the test it was found that the motor weight added to 7809s frame, the better it ran which makes perfect sense because if the wheels are barely making contact with the rail then current can't flow steadily to the motor giving it a poor performance. We deicded to temporarily install her weights AND her boiler which had a weight inside! Once all the weights were installed her performance level doubled! Finally able to run consistantly back an foward! She can definately do a lot better! We want to match her performance with what it was before she broke down. Additional work will be needed before the next power test. The boiler is covered up on a flatcar in front of her frame. All her parts are on or next to the flatcar as well. Are next work is scheduled to be on the pilot beam and cylinders, reinstalling her yoke bar, valve guides, and main rods. Keep checking back for updates!
Line Teardown: 9/1/12-9/3/12
It took two days to completely tear down our line and remove literally EVERYTHING that was on it! From track to locomotives, from buildings to cars everything has been removed! Construction of a new line will start within two weeks! Repairs are being made to our main shop! We entially wanted to knock down the rear door on track 3 because it matched the color of the wall so it didn't look like a door! So we knocked it down then we started digging through the spare parts from this shop kit and we found a complete wall that has 3 door frames just like the front of the shop has. We decided to entirely knock down the back wall and add the new one! It took a lot of machining to get it to fit and line up with everything, but it is ready for installation. We removed the rail from the shop because instead of stopping at the end of the concrete pit it now has to go all the way through. Sanding is required on the rail slots to prevent any errors. Once this is done we can install the rail and put up the new back wall! This allows all 3 tracks to go outback of the shop so we can store our out of service locomotives closer to the shop without crowding the front! We are presently busy with other projects but we will finish the shop before the line starts construction!
Knocked down the rear wall of the main shop so the newly machined wall can be installed.
Shop Update: 9/1/12
We've been very busy within the last month! Unfortunately we had 4 major mechanical failures on our 4 of our main locomotives! Slowly but surely we are tending to them. Just to summarize it, the locomotives were Rio grande #3084, SCVR #1, SCVR #7809, and SP #2486. All of them are torn apart for overhauls. Right now the primary focus is #7809, numbers 1, 3084, and 2486 have been put on hold for now. We've been actively working on 7809's overhaul! Presently, her boiler jacket has been repainted to shiny black, as was her footboards, and cab! Though these were cosmetic parts, they are important that they be repainted so the locomotive can look like it just rolled out of the factory! Her ATSF livery on her cab is no more, the entire cab was painted black to future letter her SCVR #7809. After the paint dried the entire boiler was out back together, this consisted of her handrails, bell, and cab. Right now her completed boiler is on a tender frame off a main fleet locomotive and is sitting in the main shop. Now that the boiler is out of the way, the new focus is her worn frame, which is believed to be what caused her mechanical failure. The frame has been stripped down and will be repainted soon, the motor will need inspections to see if it caused any problems. There is no set completion for the frame but we'd like it to be in September. She is only 40% of the way through her overhaul so we still have a lot to do!
SCVR #5 got her boiler repainted! It is now shiny black and is assembled and back on the frame! Also the tender was repainted for a better look! "Glad to see my favorite looking so good" said the owner Hyde. It is planned to make one last run before we have to move eveything off the current layout so a new one can be built.
Reading 2-8-2 #1608s tender trucks were painted! They were painted, her wheels were cleaned, and the entire tender was reassembled today! Tests proved she still runs remarkably well!
We are on our last week of operations on our current line! By the end of next week everything will have to be removed so we can build a new line from scratch! This new line will be bigger, better, and more reliable! Progress updates will be posted her when they
SCVR #5 got her boiler repainted! It is now shiny black and is assembled and back on the frame! Also the tender was repainted for a better look! "Glad to see my favorite looking so good" said the owner Hyde. It is planned to make one last run before we have to move eveything off the current layout so a new one can be built.
Reading 2-8-2 #1608s tender trucks were painted! They were painted, her wheels were cleaned, and the entire tender was reassembled today! Tests proved she still runs remarkably well!
We are on our last week of operations on our current line! By the end of next week everything will have to be removed so we can build a new line from scratch! This new line will be bigger, better, and more reliable! Progress updates will be posted her when they
SCVR #5 after a boiler repaint!
Reading #1608 reassembled after her tender was repaired!
An all around Shop Update! 8/19/12
We've been actively working on many projects! Hydes private DLC 2-8-0 #3 has a newly refinished pilot wheel! The end spoke was sanded down and it was painted so it's a shiny new pilot wheel! After she was put back into his main shop.
SCVR 0-4-0 #5, another private engine of Hyde's, is getting her boiler repainted. Her boiler was painted in December 2010 as the main milestone in the project when it wasn't SCVR. For the last two years the boiler has been exposed to dust and dirt but more recently it's been in the main shop which is her permanent home. The two years of outdoor storage weathered the boiler so when the tender was rebuilt in march of 2012, the paint didn't match, one was shiny one was dull. So we decided to remove all appliances from her boiler, cab, bell, handrails etc and repaint the entire boiler. Presently it's in primer being we need more paint. During this week we will buy more paint and give #5s boiler a fresh coat of black. Her tender wheels were cleaned again and her gear plate cover recieved a new screw that goes into the frame so everything is secured.
SCVR #1 (the climax) has been out of service for a week now and we did a thorough inspection on her. Upon this inspection her gear box was found to be really worn out and that one of the screw holes that screws the gear box down, is stripped so we will have to drill the next size screw into the hole. Other repairs on the gears is needed, thats why the trucks have been removed from the locomotive. She presently sits outback of the main shop and is sitting on shop trucks for mobility. There is no scheduled work for her at this time. All our shops resources are tied up with funding for a line expansion and a new steam locomotive. With #1 out of service that takes the SCVR's main engine out of the picture for an unknown amount of time. We plan to purchase a new steamer for the SCVR within a month! The planned engine is an ATSF 4-6-2 pacific. It is about as large as our #2486 but it will be our last big locomotive purchase. We are also looking into purchasing an auxilary tender for excursion use.
Rio Grande GP40 #3084 is sadly out of service as well! Her problem was a severly worn out worm gear on her lead truck. It is not repairable so we're out our main diesel locomotive as well. Plans are to purchase a new worm gear for #3084 but the funding for this isn't availible at this time. Her shell has been removed and her frame is on blocks behind the main shop with her shell. It is unkown when repairs will be made.
To cope with the loss of our main diesel locomotive, #3084, we added a new diesel to our fleet! The locomotive is an old 1962 Mantua GP20, formerly Rio Grande #5628, she was purchased by Hyde in 2007 for his collection of locomotives he calls "the main fleet", it hasn't seen much use in the five years he's owned it, but the Rio Grande lettering has been painted over so she only has her tiger stripes. With her not being regularely used, Hyde, our owner, founder, shop forman, and master mechanic found it to be a perfect replacement for #3084. Hyde serviced the locomotive a few weeks prior so she was ready to roll! She now sits in #3084s spot outside the SCVR turntable! She will be used when needed on our line. Hyde's outside collection of locomotives (his main fleet) is very large and is used on our line numerous times a week. In that collection of locomotives consists of over 40 steam and diesel locomotives and a lot of rolling stock! The SCVR is his private railroad for his favorite locomotives or locomotives he wants to keep seperate from his main fleet. Hyde operates all his SCVR locomotives periodically, generally he groups which engines run on certain steam up events which are every month. We are always adding to our roster! A typical question among this post would be "Why are locomotives #3 and #5 Private?" Well to answer that, it's because those are Hydes two all time favorites of the SCVR, now he may own every bit of the SCVR and it's for all his favorites there are still favorites among the favorites. Hyde only shares info on the work and or progress of those two when he feels it's necessary. They both will run limited schedules during the year but you will see them out and about. #5 is fully operable, but #3 is in need of more parts, gradually Hyde will finish it and run it along side the other favorites of the SCVR! Hyde enjoy every bit of working on his railroad, whether its repairing or rebuilding a locomotive or updating this page or sharing information, he is always happy to talk about his projects and plans for his railroad. So if you see him walking around the shops or the line don't be afraid to stop him and ask him a question, he is availible through this website and many other places to. Keep checking this page for SCVR updates! Enjpy the following photos from this update!
SCVR 0-4-0 #5, another private engine of Hyde's, is getting her boiler repainted. Her boiler was painted in December 2010 as the main milestone in the project when it wasn't SCVR. For the last two years the boiler has been exposed to dust and dirt but more recently it's been in the main shop which is her permanent home. The two years of outdoor storage weathered the boiler so when the tender was rebuilt in march of 2012, the paint didn't match, one was shiny one was dull. So we decided to remove all appliances from her boiler, cab, bell, handrails etc and repaint the entire boiler. Presently it's in primer being we need more paint. During this week we will buy more paint and give #5s boiler a fresh coat of black. Her tender wheels were cleaned again and her gear plate cover recieved a new screw that goes into the frame so everything is secured.
SCVR #1 (the climax) has been out of service for a week now and we did a thorough inspection on her. Upon this inspection her gear box was found to be really worn out and that one of the screw holes that screws the gear box down, is stripped so we will have to drill the next size screw into the hole. Other repairs on the gears is needed, thats why the trucks have been removed from the locomotive. She presently sits outback of the main shop and is sitting on shop trucks for mobility. There is no scheduled work for her at this time. All our shops resources are tied up with funding for a line expansion and a new steam locomotive. With #1 out of service that takes the SCVR's main engine out of the picture for an unknown amount of time. We plan to purchase a new steamer for the SCVR within a month! The planned engine is an ATSF 4-6-2 pacific. It is about as large as our #2486 but it will be our last big locomotive purchase. We are also looking into purchasing an auxilary tender for excursion use.
Rio Grande GP40 #3084 is sadly out of service as well! Her problem was a severly worn out worm gear on her lead truck. It is not repairable so we're out our main diesel locomotive as well. Plans are to purchase a new worm gear for #3084 but the funding for this isn't availible at this time. Her shell has been removed and her frame is on blocks behind the main shop with her shell. It is unkown when repairs will be made.
To cope with the loss of our main diesel locomotive, #3084, we added a new diesel to our fleet! The locomotive is an old 1962 Mantua GP20, formerly Rio Grande #5628, she was purchased by Hyde in 2007 for his collection of locomotives he calls "the main fleet", it hasn't seen much use in the five years he's owned it, but the Rio Grande lettering has been painted over so she only has her tiger stripes. With her not being regularely used, Hyde, our owner, founder, shop forman, and master mechanic found it to be a perfect replacement for #3084. Hyde serviced the locomotive a few weeks prior so she was ready to roll! She now sits in #3084s spot outside the SCVR turntable! She will be used when needed on our line. Hyde's outside collection of locomotives (his main fleet) is very large and is used on our line numerous times a week. In that collection of locomotives consists of over 40 steam and diesel locomotives and a lot of rolling stock! The SCVR is his private railroad for his favorite locomotives or locomotives he wants to keep seperate from his main fleet. Hyde operates all his SCVR locomotives periodically, generally he groups which engines run on certain steam up events which are every month. We are always adding to our roster! A typical question among this post would be "Why are locomotives #3 and #5 Private?" Well to answer that, it's because those are Hydes two all time favorites of the SCVR, now he may own every bit of the SCVR and it's for all his favorites there are still favorites among the favorites. Hyde only shares info on the work and or progress of those two when he feels it's necessary. They both will run limited schedules during the year but you will see them out and about. #5 is fully operable, but #3 is in need of more parts, gradually Hyde will finish it and run it along side the other favorites of the SCVR! Hyde enjoy every bit of working on his railroad, whether its repairing or rebuilding a locomotive or updating this page or sharing information, he is always happy to talk about his projects and plans for his railroad. So if you see him walking around the shops or the line don't be afraid to stop him and ask him a question, he is availible through this website and many other places to. Keep checking this page for SCVR updates! Enjpy the following photos from this update!
Shown above is DLC 2-8-0 #3s completed pilot wheel! The end spokes were sanded and then the wheel was painted!
SCVR #5s frame assembly and tender in the main shop, her boiler is being repainted.
SCVR climax #1 sits outside the main shop on shop trucks, her geared trucks are behind her. She is in need of major gearbox and shaft repair. No plans for repairs at this moment.
This Rio Grande Gp40 #3084s worm gear on her lead truck, hard to tell but it's very worn out. A replacement will be aquired eventually.
Here is the SCVR's newest diesel! Ex Rio Grande #5628. Built in 1962, it's an old unit but it's dependable, it was switched from Hyde's main fleet to SCVR to sub for #3084 while she's down for repairs
DLC 2-8-0 #3 Update 8/5/12
After a long problem streak with my MDC Roundhouse 2-8-0 kit, I finally got it on the right track. The handrails have been installed and the boiler has been repainted! Now the boiler is on the frame! Further work will be done on her motor and pilot wheel. The issue still being we need a new set of drive rods for her. After all the work is done she will sit for a while and await the day we can aquire new rods for her. Her drawbar and lead motor wire have been connected so she can run for tests. This will hopefully workout any bugs in her performance. #3s restoration has turned a private leaf. While the SCVR is Hyde Seybolds (me) private railroad, #3 will be more of a personal project rather than one for use on the railroad. She is stored in the main shop until a bigger shop can be made. Most work and updates will be kept private unless I feel the need to.
SCVR Climax #1 Down For Repairs
SCVR's Climax #1 is down for major repairs to her gears and shafts. The problem occured when her gears were slipping during a warm up run. Then she slumped to a complete stop and the only think I heard was the gears slipping. So her gearbox was removed and the main shaft that connects her front and rear truck was removed for inspection. The 3rd truck was also removed so she could fit in the shop. #1 is now on the shop floor with her main shaft next to her. Repairs are hoped to be made during the week to get her back out on the road.
Completed SCVR Turntable!!
After two weeks of preperations, the turntable has been purchased, installed, and is in working order! Took a couple hours to wire it up, and assemble the tracks for storage! it now looks great and we've been using it constantly! This is the very last project on this layout! We will be moving to a new layout in two to three weeks after we build a new one! It will be a lot bigger and it will have wider corners for less wear and tear on our locomotives. Thank you all for your continued support! We hope to make our new layout the best it can be!
SCVR Turntable Project is now underway!!
Plans to build a turntable roundhouse for the SCVR has been a long term goal. We had no plans to start it anytime soon until I saw the turntable i wanted at my favorite train store. Now I've got the money saved and we are ready to buy it! A few days ago we started the destruction of the old freight yard so we could make way for the new turntable area. So within two days we pulled out the rolling stock blocking access to the staging area and then after that we pulled up the tracks and began planning. With four new switches purchased for this ocasion, we started the new track plan which left two freight yard tracks for the active rolling stock. First i placed a new right hand switch that starts off the staging area, before it was a left hand switch. Then a left hand switch was attached to the right hands main track which would provide the two freight yard tracks while the junction track on the right hand switch would lead toward the future turntable. So far the turntable track has been ballasted and so has one of the frieght yard tracks. I ran out of ballast but I will get more when I pick up the turntable in a few days. All the houses and cars in that area are now gone and the small red shop has been installed in the new turntable area. The future plan is to have a 3-5 stall roundhouse, but for now its just the red shop and some track to store wheels. It will be completed within a week so check back here for the completion pictures!
SCVR Purchases another new locomotive!!
Today, July 27th, 2012, yet another locomotive was purchased! This one, a Mantua 4-6-0 Rio grande "dixiebell." This is one of four locomotives that were part of a guys collection that he sold to the train store I go to, "the roundhouse." It has been my goal for almost two years to buy all four mantua steamers to keep them together and run them together. Today we have three of the four. The three we have are CVLC 2-6-6-2 #25, Reading 2-8-2 #1608, and Rio grande 4-6-0 #3. The last engine is a Mantua 0-6-0 GN "big six." It will be purchased in a few months. The 4-6-0 #3, has been fully cleaned, lubed, and tested. She is a fabulous runner now! She will make her first appearance in the August "SCVR Steam Up!" The plan is to have both #3s in operation then. 2-8-0 #3, "the circus special" has been undergoing a slow assembly since purchased as a kit. Her boiler handrails are set to be installed this weekend. The remaining crosshead work is scheduled for next week.
SCVR aquires new equipment!!
Yesterday, July 24th, I vivisted an ad I found on craigslist that was 5 minutes from my house. It was a huge lot of AHM freight cars and track etc. There was only three engines and I only wanted the GP18. So I went to the guy and bought four things, an AHM gp18 SF 2654, AHM 7 eleven boxcar, AHM ATSF caboose, and an AHM signal bridge kit. Bought it all for $35! The GP18 was completely torn down, cleaned, lubed, and reassembled and now shes running fantastic! The rolling stock didn't need anything. The signal bridge kit was built and is now over the switch before the station platforms.
Update: 7/10/12
As of right now #3 is back in pieces, but not in a million pieces just three. The boiler, frame, and tender are all completed. The main rods (drive rods) are the only thing keeping #3 from running! Problems keepin the crosshead on the main rod is why. As a result her boiler has been loaded onto a flatcar and put into the main shop, her tender sits in the main shop as well. The frame assembly sits in front of the main shop. Once the crossheads are attached to the main rods, she will be tested to ensure all work done has passed. The boiler handrails will be installed soon after that. For now work is stalled and is done when time permits, i've been focusing on working with other engines. The plan is to work on the rods soon though. This will hopefully take place withing two weeks so stay tuned!
Update: 7/1/12
After the newly aquired 2-8-0 arrived two days ago i've been constantly working on her. She is 90% complete but is still in need of some work. Her boiler, frame, cylinders, pilot wheel assembly, idler gear assembly, gear cover plate, and all the rods have been painted black. The tender was fully assembled on day 1, as was the bare frame. On day 2, all the major work was done, such as assembling all the parts on the fram like the yoke bar, cylinders with built valve guides, attaching the pilot wheel assembly and the idler gear assembly which is attached to the motor which goes on the frame. The boiler was painted yesterday as well or on day 2, then all the appliances were installed, headlight, number boards, handrails, cab etc. The only thing left to work on is the cross heads on both drive rods. Once completed the engine can run for the first time in its career! I temporarily assembled the entire engine yesterday for photos! As of now the boiler is removed from the frame.
SCVR Buys a new locomotive!!!!
Here is the online auction photo of the SCVRs newest purchase! I found this a week ago and I immediately fell in love with it and I knew i had to have it. I waited patiently for a week till the last few minutes to snag it away! No one even challenged me for it! For $50 the SCVR has its' first 2-8-0! It'll arrive within the week and when it does the boiler, frame, rods, and wheel faces will be painted black for a finished look. Assembly should take between 1 and 2 weeks. The locomotive is an MDC Roundhouse kit released back in the 70s only 500 of these were made! It is lettered David Lee's Circus #3, I bought it because of the paint and thats the way it'll stay. Look for updates on the locomotives assembly when it arrives within a week.
Update 6/22/12
SCVR 2-6-0 #7809 is currently undergoing a running gear rebuild. Being she is almost 20 years old she has definately taken a hammering. Her rods were disconnected and her wheels were dropped. The axles were found to be really loose so over the next few weeks the wheels will be tightened, cleaned, and repaired if needed. Since her smokebox door is on SCVR #5 for the time being, we are in no hurry to finish her fast. She currently sits on blocks while her drive wheels are in the main shop. No updates on B&O #25 (shown below) as of right now, i'm still looking around to find a good pilot and trailing wheel assembly to make her a 2-4-2.
Update 6/13/12
B&O #25 is currently undergoing running gear assembly work due to erratic running. Her wheel/rod set is behind the main shop awaiting repairs. #25s boiler and frame sit on wood blocks behind the auxilary shop waiting for the wheels and rods to be repaired. There is a possible plan to make her into a 2-4-2 to reduce her wabbling. Work to find pilot wheel and trailing wheel assemblies is going to be a plan in the future.