Throughout the morning--while Dave, with Wayne's help, fired up the Shay--the Fairfield Pacific had been entrusted to the FT&SW's engineer. It had been 16 years since we had such a chance to operate a 4-6-2. The Fairfield Pacific ran like a charm, even under our rusty hands.
Photo by Blanche Hill
Photo by Wayne Lass
After lunch Wayne suggested the Shay was performing so well it might be interesting to see what kind of loads it could haul. Dave said, "fine" and Wayne coupled the Pacific and its train onto the Shay's caboose. With the 4-6-2 drifting and all cars loaded with passengers, the three-truck Shay eased ahead with no hesitation and pulled the train around the Fairfield Railroad for the better part of an hour.
The remainder of the day was spent with Dave and Wayne supervising operations of their engines, but sharing throttle time with those who wished to play engineer on either of the steamers.
That Koster F-3 diesel in picture three is the latest addition to the Fairfield RR roster. It's restoration is Wayne's next big project.
Memorial Day 2002 was an exciting and fulfilling time for those who had the opportunity to share Dave Levy's exciting steam-up and running success. Hosts Wayne and Barbara Lass and their Fairfield Railroad marked the Memorial Day weekend in perfect live steam style.
This site, and all its content, © 2002 Thomas A. Hill, Sr.
Last Revised: June 3, 2002