D&RGW Flat car #6216

The Midwest Central Railroad has two 6200 series flat cars that will be restored this year. The railroad has had these cars since the early 80's. Over the years the wood portions of the car have rotted away. The restoration will include all new wood, paint, mechanical, and returning them to service.

Car #6216 after backing into the shop.

The end of the day. All the wood has been removed revieling the steel center sill. Mother nature had already started on the wood removal project so this stage went fairly quickly.

After the clean up.

D&RGW flatcar project

Engine #2 Work

Work continues on the #2 frame.

Pictured is Jesse V. and Dustin B. working on the frame pedistals jaws on the engineers side. The driving box (that the axles turn in) slide up and down in these openings on what are called shoes and wedges. These shoes and wedges need to fit closely to the frame so they can position the driving box correctly. In 75+ years of srvice the shoes and wedges loosened up and wore into the frame. These areas must be built up then ground, filed, and flat sanded true again. In the picture Jesse is rough grinding while Dustin hand finishes the surface square and true. A very time consuming but needed task.

The right front pedistal jaw after welding.

The same location after some grinding.

Mike C. *does* play trains!

Yes, for those who don't believe it actually happened, that IS Mike C. in the fireman's seat of the Shay.

Ice Train

The North Pole Express train loading passengers at the station. The weather is a little icy.


Griffin firing the #9 Shay

Sitting outside the south station


#9 Shay covered in ice








View out the engineer's side of the #9 Shay

May 12, 2007, Work Weekend

Mike C. is cleaning the skid loader's engine compartment for the first time this year. The skid loader is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in the railroad's stable.




The replacement skin for the left side of #9 is ready for its coat of black paint.



Have you ever wondered what it looks likes under those black skins surrounding the boiler? This is a left side shot of #9 with the skin removed. The replacement skin (above) will be placed over the insulation blocks once it is painted.

Jess V. is replacing the right side brake mechanism on #6. After dragging the drive wheels for most of 2006, repairs were necessary.


The "cow catcher" has been riding a bit low so the staff is adjusting its position over the pilot truck. The massive nut had to be turned several turns to get the front of the locomotive to the right height.





Track work in the spring!

The section of track north of the horse barn at the top of the hill leading to the north station was really ratty. Staff members noticed the ties lifting in the mud during 2006's ghost train and it was felt that it was the worst of the track. Several members removed the rails and ties earlier in the week.

Shown here are Mike C., Dustin, and Dan, leveling out the bed getting it ready for aggregate and eventually the new ties and rails.







Jesse is repairing the oil-throttle linkage from #6. MCRR fireman should recall how difficult it was to get smooth fire control.

It turned out that the linkage pivot points were rusted tight. After some careful mending and a modification to the valve body, the shop is confident of smooth operation for the OT show in late August.




The look of satisfaction after another day at the shop!