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Trains News Wire EXCLUSIVE: Crews load C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 for trip to Cumberland
Alright, let’s get some not really important yet pesky facts straight here.
First, Hulcher’s main business is of course derailment clean up. They do indeed do maintenance, but it’s usually because their is no other way to get the car or locomotive going.
Second, never heard the term “sidewinder” used. The equipment is called a “sideboom” I worked for Hulcher years ago, for a short time, and never did I hear “sidewinder”. We did however refer to a train as a “woo woo”…
I have always heard them referred to as pipe layers. They are designed for constructing pipelines. However, they are also used for derailment cleanup.
CSX deserves praise for donating the flat car and the move…
The Western Maryland Scenic is a wonderful attraction in a beautiful area, not to be missed by steam fans. I’ve visited and ridden many times, and the restoration of 1309 will bring my wife & I back for more visits. I wish the WMS staff good luck as they undertake what is undoubtedly a huge, difficult task. I hope they will make the shop area in Ridgeley accessible to the public, to allow viewing of the work as it progresses.
The Western Maryland Scenic is a wonderful attraction in a beautiful area, not to be missed by steam fans. I’ve visited and ridden many times, and the restoration of 1309 will bring my wife & I back for more visits. I wish the WMS staff good luck as they undertake what is undoubtedly a huge, difficult task. I hope they will make the shop area in Ridgeley accessible to the public, to allow viewing of the work as it progresses.
I worked for Conrail for many years in the Division Engineers office in Cleveland. “Hulcher’s Vulcher’s” ( the nick name came from their quick response time for derailments) and their
“Sidewinder’s” were well known then.
SEE…IT’S REALY GOING TO HAPPEN. LOTSA PEOPLE DOUBTED THAT THIS MOVE WOULD EVER GET PAST THE WISH STAGE.
I am surprised that the sidewinders could handle this weight. I watched a pair of these try to lift one end of a loaded DODX flat with a pair of tanks on it when a cable broke on one and the car was dropped.
Bradley, I worked for Chessie System for about 7 years in MOW. Cleaned up several derailments working with these machines, and never heard them called anything but sidewinders. I have friends in the pipeline business, and that is what they call them. But Caterpillar’s official name is pipe layer. Must be one of those “depends on where you come from things”.
Thank you CSX!!
I think it great that CSX and TTX made those donations to a great cause.
I agree that CSX really deserves to be applauded for their generous donation of flatcar and transport!
I worked with a pipe liner that hated to be around these side winders, He said they were unsafe, unstable and generally operated outside of their published ratings. He usually stood way back when they were in operation.
When will CSX move 1309 to Cumberland? The Old Mainline is almost in my backyard, and that will be a site to see.
Good to hear CSX and TTX have donated to this cause! Good for all involved! But, don’t think CSX will have a steam program just because of this. Go CSX, WMSR, TTX, and the B&O museum for doing all of this!