I had the honor of operating 1309 about 2 months ago. Was probably one of best things I've ever done in my life. 1309 handles really nicely and runs really smooth. Good video!
I have driven this engine. It is a strange but exciting, interesting experience. You are limited to 10 MPH and the engine is running with 175 # of pressure. It has a stoker, it is not hand fired as depicted in one posting. In any case, the claim that this engine challenges Big Boy is not quite accurate. It has a limited run of track, only about 18 miles. These engine did not have everything that was claimed and soon fell out of favor. Some were converted to standard direct feed while retaining the four cylinder sets of equal size. I am not certain there is other track to give it a wider range of travel which is a shame. There are many rail trails in the area instead of rail roads on which It could run intercity. Where BB runs freely across country, often coming to the rescue of a stalled diesel engine, 1309 does not leave it's home grounds. It has also suffered from some mechanical issues owing to past rebuild oversights. Driving it is a unique experience but otherwise, it is a sad relic of its former glorious self. Nice to have it operating, make no mistake about that. They should get one of the Alleghany engine in service as well. But with 1309, as many other operational engines WHERE CAN THEY RUN? The big four will not allow them on their tracks. It is proven that steam engine can be in revenue service - Strasburg is an example. 3985 may someday return to steam. 5511 in somewhat impractical because it is a bit stiff on the curves. 611 is doing well. These engines need long runs of track such as in Durango and Charma. Those engines, smaller in stature, are a grand sight to behold. As far as handling, The trick is opening the throttle otherwise the engine just runs all by itself. But watch out down hill.
Thank you so much for sharing! What a thrill that must have been to be at the controls of 1309. I got the chance to see 611 when it was doing its first “residency” at Strasburg. I hope to see it on one of its mainline excursions one day to see the purpose for which that engine was really built!
The 1309 isn't a very big engine over all. It is about the size of a 2-8-2 and was designed to be a mine run engine, bringing empty's back to the mine and loads back to the main line to be assembled into a longer train. But, it is neat that it is running again.
Yeah, it really is! And I believe you're right... it's designers definitely prioritized it's power over it's size and speed. It's still quite a beast though!
![Amtrak’s California Zephyr: America's Most Scenic Train Journey [S2: E08]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bniR3UZEMnQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I had the honor of operating 1309 about 2 months ago. Was probably one of best things I've ever done in my life. 1309 handles really nicely and runs really smooth. Good video!
The jealousy I'm experiencing right now....
@@RailWeekly ditto 😂
You put in too much work for the amount of recognition you get. Keep up the great work!
I appreciate that! I really enjoy making these.
I live close enough to the line to sometimes hear 1309 when she runs. But my heart always belongs to 734.
Soon we'll have 3 articulated steam locomotives because when Up 3985 is done with her restoration
That will be very cool to see!
Hey, i am really looking forward to be riding on board your Train this Summer for my 35th Birthday 😃,1:20
Happy birthday!
I have driven this engine. It is a strange but exciting, interesting experience. You are limited to 10 MPH and the engine is running with 175 # of pressure. It has a stoker, it is not hand fired as depicted in one posting. In any case, the claim that this engine challenges Big Boy is not quite accurate. It has a limited run of track, only about 18 miles. These engine did not have everything that was claimed and soon fell out of favor. Some were converted to standard direct feed while retaining the four cylinder sets of equal size. I am not certain there is other track to give it a wider range of travel which is a shame. There are many rail trails in the area instead of rail roads on which It could run intercity. Where BB runs freely across country, often coming to the rescue of a stalled diesel engine, 1309 does not leave it's home grounds. It has also suffered from some mechanical issues owing to past rebuild oversights. Driving it is a unique experience but otherwise, it is a sad relic of its former glorious self. Nice to have it operating, make no mistake about that. They should get one of the Alleghany engine in service as well. But with 1309, as many other operational engines WHERE CAN THEY RUN? The big four will not allow them on their tracks. It is proven that steam engine can be in revenue service - Strasburg is an example. 3985 may someday return to steam. 5511 in somewhat impractical because it is a bit stiff on the curves. 611 is doing well. These engines need long runs of track such as in Durango and Charma. Those engines, smaller in stature, are a grand sight to behold. As far as handling, The trick is opening the throttle otherwise the engine just runs all by itself. But watch out down hill.
Thank you so much for sharing! What a thrill that must have been to be at the controls of 1309. I got the chance to see 611 when it was doing its first “residency” at Strasburg. I hope to see it on one of its mainline excursions one day to see the purpose for which that engine was really built!
Awesome video! I look forward to more videos on steam locomotives on this channel in the future. Subscribed!
Thank you! It’s my goal to get to East Broad Top this summer!
@@RailWeekly I know you’ll love it!
You should do a video about the Big Boy 4014
I would love to! That’s a bit of an effort to film that for me. I live on the east coast. But I definitely want to see that engine run soon!!
Hang on now...I thought Ocean View recently ended up in the hands of Canadian National?
You are correct! This was filmed in the summer of 2022, and the car was sold to Canadian National later in the year.
The 1309 isn't a very big engine over all. It is about the size of a 2-8-2 and was designed to be a mine run engine, bringing empty's back to the mine and loads back to the main line to be assembled into a longer train. But, it is neat that it is running again.
Yeah, it really is! And I believe you're right... it's designers definitely prioritized it's power over it's size and speed. It's still quite a beast though!
@@RailWeekly Yes, it was designed to have a lot of tractive effort in a relatively small package. It was perfect for what it was designed to do.
Its out of service because of piston and rod issues that weren't addressed during restoration
This is news to me! Thank you for the update.
Could do without the music -- hardly heard the engine at all.... Great vid tho!
Thank you so much!