Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Buffalo Creek and Gauley R.R.
One interesting fact about the operation of the BC&G logging trains on spurs into the forrest that I would never have imagined was that they actually laid tracks and operated the trains through the streams. Fording streams also provided the opportunity to take on water for the steam boiler which allowed the steam engine of the Shay or Climax locomotive to operate. A hose was lowered into the stream and water was pumped into the tank on the back of the locomotive. When crossing high water, a flat car would be put in front of the engine so that if the track was inoperative, the car not the locomotive would derail. The danger was getting water in the firebox and extinguishing you source of power and your ability to get out of the stream. Withers and Stover's book do not tell of this ever happening. I wonder if it ever did?
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Thanks for your blog post Chris. Really interesting. I'd like to know the answer to that question as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for updating you blog. I like the inclusion of a great old black & white photo.
ReplyDeleteInteresting information.
That's interesting information. It makes me wonder what other novel ideas have been lost due to rapid progress of the 21st century. Using another car to see the if the train would derail was innovative.
ReplyDeleteInteresting!!! Great information...it's amazing how far along we have came with the 21st century technology. Very interesting! Thanks for sharing this information. Very informative.
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