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V&T operations report: Engine 18 cleared, tunnel repairs underway, film production interest and rail-bike upgrades
Summary
Operations staff reported that Engine 18 passed its annual inspection and will be test-fired before Mother's Day; tunnel work is underway with rock bolting and gunite; the commission is pursuing additional period freight cars for film work; and rail-bike motors were upgraded to 72 volts to improve hill performance.
Tom Gray, operations lead for the Virginia Truckee Railroad, told the commission the railroad recently completed the annual inspection on Engine 18 and reassembled the locomotive. "We're just finishing up the annual inspection on Engine 18, reassembling it, everything passed," Gray said. He said the engine should be fired up for a test run within a week and prepared for Mother's Day service.
Gray described a significant maintenance effort inside a tunnel, noting the crew engaged specialized contractors for rock bolting and gunite work. "I finally got some nice underground miners to come back and do some rock bolting and gunite inside," he said, adding that the work is specialized and timely while he is available to oversee it.
Gray also reported renewed interest from film and television production companies in using V&T assets and scenery. He said producers value the railway's period rolling stock, tunnels and clear sight lines, and he is seeking additional wooden freight and refrigerated (reefer) cars to support historical film projects. "I just located another reefer car just this morning... it's in Eureka, California, but it's beautiful," Gray said.
On the rail-bike program, Gray said staff found the original motors were not robust enough for steep grades. "We just put in a new motor yesterday and it seemed to do quite a bit better," he said, and noted they changed from a 48-volt system to a 72-volt system to improve performance and efficiency. He reported braking systems are functioning and further testing is planned.
During the public-comment portion, Gray also thanked track crews for work on Haywood siding and ditching, describing that maintenance as long needed.
