Current Activities

      Although the history of the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad is interesting, the railroad is still an up and running place that is being worked on every weekend.  Before mentioning what the crew did this Saturday (10/4/14), I think it is important to realize that the railroad just had their open house.  Because of this, Otto was operated recently which also happened to be for the last time this year.  Since it was the last run until next year, the crew spent the day preparing Otto for winter.  The main part of this involves removing the coal and draining all the water out of the saddle tanks and the boiler.  If the water remained in Otto over winter, there is potential for the water to freeze and expand which could crack parts of the engine.  The water can also cause rust which would lead up to deterioration of the inside of Otto.  For both of these reasons, the water is drained for the winter and a fan is run constantly to keep the inside of Otto dry.  With all of the preparation for winter completed on Otto, it was considered a rather successful day at the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad.   
     

 

Picture taken by Scott Bauer

 

Finishing Otto's Repairs

      Once there was a dry space for Otto to be worked on, it was time for the restoration to begin.  Repairs for Otto took place between the years of 1966 till 1971.  In 1971 when Otto was once again in operating condition, the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad had about 200 feet of track laid which Otto ran on several times back and forth.

Although none of the gas locomotives were there in 1971, this is still a picture of Otto after her restoration.

     After all the hundreds of hours spent successfully restoring Otto, it was time to focus on laying track in order to enjoy their great accomplishment.  In the year 1972, 1,200 feet of track was laid before the end of fall.  Because the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad crew enjoyed their hobby so much, they wanted to show it off to family and friends by having a day of running Otto for the sole purpose of entertaining other people.  This first open house occurred in October of 1972 with Otto giving rides to all the guests for the whole day.  The open house received such positive feedback that the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad now has two open houses a year.

Above photo taken by William Bauer