June 1 2021
Several years ago,
a rail repair company donated the above railroad work truck to
the BDA. When donated, the diesel actually ran and was driven
to a spot beside the BC&G tracks. See those big
steel wheels under the bumper, there's another set under the
rear of the heavy duty truck. When lowered down, the vehicle
can ride up and down rail lines. We think that apparatus is
still in good repair.
Once upon a time, the BC&G RR operated a couple rail buses on their tracks. The buses hauled passengers and freight. One of those MACK powered buses is long gone. The other is in a museum in Pennsylvania and those folks don't want to give up possession.
Clayberry needs a rail bus to haul a dozen or so paying guests on each trip. No it wouldn't be a steam engine but heck, there are already several of those in service around the state. Why compete with those folks?
Right now we have pedal car rides and a small "Jitney" pulling carts. That's nice but a rail bus could operate even in the rain and could have heating and cooling to further lengthen the tourist season.
Take a good look at that photo. See the possibilities?
With just a small amount of conversion, bench seats could be installed for passengers. It could easily haul a dozen at a time. At $20 a head, that's some pretty loot for a two hour ride up Buffalo.
Back to those steel wheels...
The old rail buses from 80 years ago required a wye to turn around. No such space, rail, exists along Buffalo Creek today. That truck could run up the line, turn around on any wide spot, and then head back down the creek. Passengers would not be riding backwards during the trip home. That would be nice.
If you wanted something nicer, that undercarriage could be put under and old, old, out of the 40's, school bus for a nicer, quaint, experience.
Some entrepreneur purchased an English made, modern, rail bus and put it to use in the Northern end of the state not so long ago. The bright yellow paint coupled with the new design, the thang failed. Few wanted to ride it. We're hoping that monstrosity is not brought to these parts.
When the BG&G rail spur and the 30 miles of main line are combined and turned into a West Virginia State Park later this Summer, things will change.
Once under W Va govt control complete with a Park Superintendent, Asst Superintendent and three maintenance workers, there will be enough manpower to maintain the hiking, biking, horseback riding, and railroad ride trail.
We need that switch over now more than ever. Truth is, as of this date, the existing trail is showing signs of poor maintenance. Weeds are growing up beside the trail. Someone needs to take it over now. It's too nice to be run down.
AW
Once upon a time, the BC&G RR operated a couple rail buses on their tracks. The buses hauled passengers and freight. One of those MACK powered buses is long gone. The other is in a museum in Pennsylvania and those folks don't want to give up possession.
Clayberry needs a rail bus to haul a dozen or so paying guests on each trip. No it wouldn't be a steam engine but heck, there are already several of those in service around the state. Why compete with those folks?
Right now we have pedal car rides and a small "Jitney" pulling carts. That's nice but a rail bus could operate even in the rain and could have heating and cooling to further lengthen the tourist season.
Take a good look at that photo. See the possibilities?
With just a small amount of conversion, bench seats could be installed for passengers. It could easily haul a dozen at a time. At $20 a head, that's some pretty loot for a two hour ride up Buffalo.
Back to those steel wheels...
The old rail buses from 80 years ago required a wye to turn around. No such space, rail, exists along Buffalo Creek today. That truck could run up the line, turn around on any wide spot, and then head back down the creek. Passengers would not be riding backwards during the trip home. That would be nice.
If you wanted something nicer, that undercarriage could be put under and old, old, out of the 40's, school bus for a nicer, quaint, experience.
Some entrepreneur purchased an English made, modern, rail bus and put it to use in the Northern end of the state not so long ago. The bright yellow paint coupled with the new design, the thang failed. Few wanted to ride it. We're hoping that monstrosity is not brought to these parts.
When the BG&G rail spur and the 30 miles of main line are combined and turned into a West Virginia State Park later this Summer, things will change.
Once under W Va govt control complete with a Park Superintendent, Asst Superintendent and three maintenance workers, there will be enough manpower to maintain the hiking, biking, horseback riding, and railroad ride trail.
We need that switch over now more than ever. Truth is, as of this date, the existing trail is showing signs of poor maintenance. Weeds are growing up beside the trail. Someone needs to take it over now. It's too nice to be run down.
AW