Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Railroad Code



Nearly everyone is familiar with Morse code and rightly so as it's been a means of communication for over 160 years. International Morse code is now recognized as the standard, but varies slightly from the original code. This original version is now known as American Morse code or Railroad Morse code. Above is an example of American Morse code. Railroad Morse code is now virtually obsolete.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Mother's Day Express



The Mother's Day ride will be new and improved this year. Moms and their families can enjoy a ride they'll never forget!



The 2 hour and 15 minute Mother's Day Express includes champagne for adults and bubbly beverages for those under 21. Passengers will also get a tasty treat and enjoy an Old West shootout.

Visit our website for more information.

Monday, March 1, 2010

A little love for #104



Engine #104 is perhaps the lesser known of the three steam locomotives at the Black Hills Central Railroad. #104 arrived at the 1880 Train in 1965 along with its sister engine, #103. Both engines are Baldwin Steam locomotives with a 2-6-2T wheel arrangement. As these are tank engines, they do not pull a tender. #104 was built in 1926 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works and was first used at the Silver Falls Timber Company in Oregon and the Peninsula Terminal Railroads in Portland, Oregon.


#104 after restoration in the early 90's.

Like all of our steam locomotives, #104 burns used motor oil rather than coal. Coal is no longer used due to the fire hazard.


#104 pulls a half and half car in the late 90's.

Engine #104 along with Engine #7 was the main motive power for the 1880 Train from the 1970's until 2000. On May 14th, 2001, #104 pulled the first train back into Keystone since the flood of 1972 that destroyed the last mile of rail into Keystone. From this point on, #104 was used less frequently as it lacks the power to pull seven car trains like Engine #110. From time to time, #104 and #7 will 'double head' a seven car train while #110 is in the shop having a boiler wash.

Engine #104 has a fuel capacity of 750 gallons of recycled oil and can carry 1,600 gallons of water. The engine weighs 134,000 lbs.

And what about Engine #103? #103 is currently awaiting restoration, occasionally donating a part or two to #104.


Engine #103 awaiting restoration.