Buda engine re-assembly continues

Work continues to re-assemble the Buda engine on our Plymouth BL. This work day saw the final touches put on the valves and the final pieces installed so the oil pan could be reattached which was accomplished by the end of the day. The next hurdle will be the construction of a new intake & exhaust manifold. The many years of exposure was not kind to the original. With that, a few other small parts, a temporary radiator and some warmer temperatures, it is hoped the engine can be started soon.

The Buda sits waiting the days re-assembly to start.

Work continues. New lifting rings have been installed in the engine's head and the museum volunteers work on installing the oil pan.

Volunteers start re-assembly of Plymouth BL Buda engine

The Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum rosters a small Plymouth gas-mechanical Model BL locomotive. This locomotive was donated to the museum several years back in derelict condition; not having run in many years. At the heart of the little loco was a rather large 4 cylinder Buda gasoline engine. Seized, missing parts and full of rust, the Buda engine looked like a basket case.

Over the past two years, a few volunteers from the R&GV RR Museum have rebuilt, remanufactured, recreated and on Jan 4th started the re-assembly of the engine in preparation for what we hope is future operation and the complete restoration of the Plymouth BL. So here are some pics of the re-assembly that took place on January 4th. Enjoy and look for more to come. And kudos to the R&GV RR Museum volunteers who have made what looked like the impossible, possible!

The engine still carries its original builder's tag with model and serial numbers.

The engine block is brought into the R&GV RR Museum's Restoration Building after having one bore sleeved at a local engine shop and then completely re-worked in one of the R&GV RR Museum's volunteer's home shop.

The block sits next to the lower portion of the engine.

The block is mated back to the engine.

A few hours later, we see the engine really taking shape with auxiliaries installed and the pistons being reinstalled.

The end of a great day's work as new nuts are installed to hold the just installed head on to the top of the engine.

2002 Christmas Tree Trains at Remelt's

On December 7 and 8, the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum operated caboose train rides in cooperation with Remelt's Evergreen Acres Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farm. Using Eastman Kodak Company 80-tonner #6 as motive power along with Penn Central transfer caboose 18526 and Erie cupola caboose C254, rides were offered from Remelt's farm (located adjacent to the New York Museum of Transportation) south to the R&GVRRM and return. Passengers enjoyed hot apple cider warmed on the caboose stove, and museum volunteers were on hand to answer questions about the railroad. The trips were a success for both Remelt's and the Museum. We hope to continue and build on this new special event in the year's to come!

Our Christmas Tree Train headed south toward the R&GVRRM.
Photos by Chris Hauf