PUBLIC NOTICE LOCOMOTIVE 1504

[peestandingup]

I think there's a reason why all the diesels on that show are dicks. Because diesels suck!

Perhaps you should start walking instead of riding the bus then?

Well, I think buses suck too if that makes you feel any better. Especially considering what they replaced (electric streetcars). They were an answer to a problem that didn't exist.

Nope, give me steam & electric any day my friend.

[Timkin]

Ditto

[Timkin]

diesel generic

Timkin, do you even know what an E-3 is? Ever see any of the E-3 locomotives that graced the Jacksonville Terminal in its heyday?

No but I'm sure you do. My point is, I would like to see this Locomotive operational again.  But of course ,since that is my position ,you will come up with some negative, smartass remark much like you have endlessly attacked my values of historic preservation, and my desire to see School #4 saved.  It just spells out (to your discredit) who you really are.   Fire away M-train.  

[Dog Walker]

Go Tim!  Got to admire someone who bites back.  

[Overstreet]

............Keep in mind that the CONDUCTOR is the captain of the train or streetcar or monorail.

Smile!

OCKLAWAHA

Unless you are the electrician and then the conductor is just  a wire or bus bar.  

mmmmmmmmmmmm  ..... "Bus Bar"  now there is an idea ...... easily distracted. Refurburshing that engine would be a lot of manhours. It would take considerable dedication on someone's part.

[peestandingup]

diesel generic

Timkin, do you even know what an E-3 is? Ever see any of the E-3 locomotives that graced the Jacksonville Terminal in its heyday?

No but I'm sure you do. My point is, I would like to see this Locomotive operational again.  But of course ,since that is my position ,you will come up with some negative, smartass remark much like you have endlessly attacked my values of historic preservation, and my desire to see School #4 saved.  It just spells out (to your discredit) who you really are.   Fire away M-train.  

I wouldn't sweat it too much. It's pretty obvious just in the time I've been here that he clearly goes out of his way to be the voice of opposition, no matter the subject. "You guys like those beautiful steam locomotives huh? Well, screw that son! Diesels rule!!" LOL, really dude? Diesels?? No one thinks that.

So I dunno. Trying to inject different opinions into the topics? Trying to keep people on their toes?? Who knows his reasons. Maybe its simply just to get a rise outta the user base & he likes the attention.

[Timkin]

he must need the attention.

[Timkin]

............Keep in mind that the CONDUCTOR is the captain of the train or streetcar or monorail.

Smile!

OCKLAWAHA

Unless you are the electrician and then the conductor is just  a wire or bus bar. 

mmmmmmmmmmmm  ..... "Bus Bar"  now there is an idea ...... easily distracted. Refurburshing that engine would be a lot of manhours. It would take considerable dedication on someone's part.

Can you / we  do it Ock?

[Timkin]

diesel generic

Timkin, do you even know what an E-3 is? Ever see any of the E-3 locomotives that graced the Jacksonville Terminal in its heyday?

No.. would have to say I know little about Locomotives or trains in general.  No doubt Ock does know the difference. I do remember the 1504  even as a young child.  Its a thing you don't seem to like .....called a Historic Landmark.  But that is okay.  to each their own.

Seriously though... Would 1504 even be repairable now?  I mean its been sitting , what, close to half of a century?  Ironically kind of like another landmark I know in even worse condition.

[ronchamblin]

I'm curious about the 1504.  Think I'll visit to see if it looks complete and restorable to a running engine.  If one were to fire it up again, the most critical item would be a possible deteriorated boiler, as an explosion wouldn't be fun for anyone near it. 

I suspect that it could be made to operate again.  Any engineers or mechanics who had worked on these things in the late forties or early fifties when they were about 30 years of age would be about 90 years of age now.  Some of these old fellows, as a fun project just before going to train-heaven would still be able to teach some new drivers and mechs how to fix and operate it.

Actually, any good mechanic, with good common sense would, by using the right books on these engines, be able bring it to operation.  If I had the time, which I do not, and was asked to do the project, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it.  There are others I’m sure, who are capable, and who would wish to engage such a fun restoration project.  The mechanic / engineer type is all it takes.

Imagine the fun seeing how this 19 century mechanism works; all the pressures, temperatures, pistons, cylinders, and valves â€" all connected by levers, rods, and fluid and air lines.  It would illustrate some of the basic principles of physics, being an education tool as a side benefit.  And the music it makes is so grand.  I remember these things in the forties and fifties.  The noise and steam allows these things to become real monsters to the child, something they never forget. 
To me, these steam engines are so much more interesting.  The diesel electric is technology currently being used all over the place â€" our diesel automobiles.  The steam engine is not used much these days, and to see one operate in a locomotive, showing off its working principles, would offer continuing fun and education to all ages. 
     
And to have it operate once a week, perhaps on Saturday, on a run from the city core to some destination about fifty miles away would be an interesting plus for the city.  Imagine if we placed the track right down the center of Forsyth Street, backing it down from the Prime Osborn area to pick up “paying” passengers around Laura Street.  I would expect most people would pay $30 to $40 for the ride.  Three cars with 30 per car = 90 passengers X $35 = $3,150 per run.  Perhaps the cars would hold more than 30 passengers.     

The locomotive is much like the navy destroyer which hopefully will be brought to Jax for permanent display.  These kinds of things are genuine and fundamental, which is what I love about them, not being a Disney kind of superficial fabrication to attempt wowing kids and kid grownups with simpleton candy, colored with red and blue lights and flashing too.

The project would take money, but I’m imagining that it probably doesn’t take as much as one might think.  I expect that there would be a lot of volunteers, such as myself, as I have the time. 

Just thinking.  Wondering.  Projects sometimes start this way.       
         

[north miami]

Broke my heart to really look at,observe 1504 last year while at a chance Prime Osborne event.........blatant deterioration........why not display this under cover,out of the sun and rain we wondered.......?

[Ocklawaha]

And to have it operate once a week, perhaps on Saturday, on a run from the city core to some destination about fifty miles away would be an interesting plus for the city.  Imagine if we placed the track right down the center of Forsyth Street, backing it down from the Prime Osborn area to pick up “paying” passengers around Laura Street.  I would expect most people would pay $30 to $40 for the ride.  Three cars with 30 per car = 90 passengers X $35 = $3,150 per run.  Perhaps the cars would hold more than 30 passengers.

Ron, your average single level passenger coach will comfortably handle 80 passengers and the bi-level cars typically 96.     

The locomotive is much like the navy destroyer which hopefully will be brought to Jax for permanent display.  These kinds of things are genuine and fundamental, which is what I love about them, not being a Disney kind of superficial fabrication to attempt wowing kids and kid grownups with simpleton candy, colored with red and blue lights and flashing too.

We have a unique opportunity to plow new ground here. With an embryonic commuter rail system, a scheduled run powered   by our COJ locomotive.

Equally important to railroad fans and, or visiting officials is "collecting" rare track miles. Again we have some pretty unique opportunities, The St. Marys Railroad, First Coast Railroad, Blount Island branchline, North Main Street, through to Springfield and Jacksonville Terminal.

We also have several complete fabricating facilities in the port area, we also have a very complete railroad equipment
restoration and rebuilding shops belonging to WATCO off of Kings in the north side.

Price is where this thing could easily spin out of out of control, we'd have to create some sort of built in warning to spot segments heading in that direction. Steam engines are labor intensive, and are to diesels what MAC's are to PC's, head smacking simple. The trouble is, there are no parts sources, and a good many parts for these beasts can be fabricated by an industrial blacksmith shop. But hold on to your wallets, CHA - CHING! 

I agree that the 1504 has as much of a 'place' in Jacksonville as will a Navy Destroyer. We ARE the railroad capital of the state, and the passenger train capital of the southeast with little to show for it as far as preserved exhibits. Shamefully Green Cove Springs and Camp Blanding have FAR MORE in the way of museum space or displays then Jacksonville.

Y'all put me in charge of equipment for a commuter railroad, and I'd buy a small fleet of remanufactured RDC cars, the famous articulated streamliner 'Mark Twain Zephyr', and a 1930's vintage 'doodlebug'. We'd have regular operations with our RDC's but you can bet we'd be pulling in rail tourism from around the globe on special occasions, holidays, and scheduled event dates. The 1504 would fit that 'operating museum' stable perfectly.

The project would take money, but I’m imagining that it probably doesn’t take as much as one might think.  I expect that there would be a lot of volunteers, such as myself, as I have the time. 

Just thinking.  Wondering.  Projects sometimes start this way.       

[Timkin]

Who actually 'owns' the 1504?

[peestandingup]

And to have it operate once a week, perhaps on Saturday, on a run from the city core to some destination about fifty miles away would be an interesting plus for the city.  Imagine if we placed the track right down the center of Forsyth Street, backing it down from the Prime Osborn area to pick up “paying” passengers around Laura Street.  I would expect most people would pay $30 to $40 for the ride.  Three cars with 30 per car = 90 passengers X $35 = $3,150 per run.  Perhaps the cars would hold more than 30 passengers.

You could run it from town all the down to the oldest city in America (St Augustine). I bet they'd get behind something like that too.

[Timkin]

Broke my heart to really look at,observe 1504 last year while at a chance Prime Osborne event.........blatant deterioration........why not display this under cover,out of the sun and rain we wondered.......?

^^  This seems to be an epidemic when it comes to history, historical, or significance of either of the two , in this City.

When will it ever be different if now is not the time to change it?