What's up with Roy (MK steam locomotive)?

[Disneyrailfan1996]

For the past few weeks I've been noticing that the Walt Disney World Railroad #4 Roy O Disney (the OLDEST attraction in the park – built by the Baldwin locomotive works in 1916) has been running on and off. And I think it was last week if not the week before that I saw Roy go back to the roundhouse for the day early while I was working at Barnstormer (I think it was around noon, if not sometime between then and 2:00) after they brought out Roger. Lilly, however, seems to be getting more time on the rails making her seemingly a primary engine, which is contrary to what I read from YouTube comments saying she was on reserve. But back to the subject of Roy, it seems that he's been running on and off, and when they run 3 trains, it's always Roy that goes home first. I'll admit I know A LOT about trains, but when it comes to Disney their operations of the train seem to stump me every now and then as to the workings of the trains (like how there's a big ear piercing screech as the train stops or an air hiss every now and then everytime lilly pulls in to the station). I haven't heard anything about there being problems with Roy then again I'm not a WDWRR CM or someone who would know nor have I searched other forums yet, but I'm curious to know what's going on with Roy with how he seems to be running on and off, and how he's always the first one to go home. Is there a problem with a tender truck or his pilot truck? Is the boiler going bad? Is there something wrong with him? Or are they just rotating the locomotives in and out of service weekly/daily.

P.s. For fun – I've made a poll to see who seems to be the most popular WDWRR locomotive.

 

[larryz]

I'll admit I know A LOT about trains, but when it comes to Disney their operations of the train seem to stump me every now and then as to the workings of the trains (like how there's a big ear piercing screech as the train stops or an air hiss every now and then everytime lilly pulls in to the station).

Not a RR expert, but I've always thought the screech was bad fit on the brakes and the hiss was the air brake accumulator relief valve.

 

[Disneyrailfan1996]

Not a RR expert, but I've always thought the screech was bad fit on the brakes and the hiss was the air brake accumulator relief valve.

Interesting. You might be right. Roger roy and Walt don't hiss when they enter the station, so I'm guessing that Lilly's valve was rebuilt during her overhaul and that must be why it hisses more with that in mind. Maybe it could be part of the computerization everyone's been talking about (then again they're all partly computerized with the way the MAPO system recognizes overspeeds and marks it on the engineers record, stops the train automatically when running a red light, and has a buzzer box connected to the switch on the back). Thank you for the input! It's greatly appreciated! May have to ask the question on the steam train tour when I take it next, but otherwise you might be right, so thanks again! You learn something new everyday!

 

[Disneyrailfan1996]

While I'm at it, here's another question to ponder upon – the Roy O. Disney is a 4-4-0, the same type as CP 173 the (original) "Lilly Belle", so why did they name the Mogul after Lilly instead of the American (even though it took longer to rebuild compared to the other 3)?

 

[Rinx]

I feel like it's just a rotation thing. Surely Lily will get the most work after being absent for so long. Does anyone know if the WDWRR has to comply with any FRA regulations?

As for the poll, I voted Roy. Hands down the greatest sounding locomotive of the fleet.

 

[IanDLBZF]

Does anyone know if the WDWRR has to comply with any FRA regulations?

Yes I believe so. Does anyone know if the WDWRR and DLRR have Positive Train Control yet (deadline of NEXT year to be in full compliance or they could be fined)?

 

[Disneyrailfan1996]

Yes I believe so. Does anyone know if the WDWRR and DLRR have Positive Train Control yet (deadline of NEXT year to be in full compliance or they could be fined)?

I believe they are exempt from the boiler regulations. As I found in section 230.2 of a 1999 issue "
Finally, this section excludes from its reach railroads that operate passenger trains only on track inside an insular installation—operations limited to separate enclaves in such a way that the safety of those not entering the enclaves is not affected by the operations. Insularity is destroyed, however, and the rule applies where any of the following exists on its line: (1) A public highway-rail crossing that is in use; (2) an at-grade rail crossing that is in use; (3) a bridge over a public road or commercially navigable waters; or (4) a common corridor with another railroad, i.e., where operations are conducted within 30 feet of those of any other railroad." the rivers of America are not commercial waters, neither are any of the water bodies that the railroad goes over/near. The only public crossing is world drive (I forget the road name), which is not a highway, neither is it at grade like the others. So we have an answer for one of them. I don't believe they are able to put PTC on such antique technology. That would most likely require extensive modification of the brakes and throttle system. Now if it's something like an f40 (we got DOZENS of those on metra in chicago) or a dash 9, then it's likely a different story. That's as much input as I can provide. I'm sure they have to comply with regulations for crossing and forward and backward motion signals - that's all I can say.

 

[SpoiledBlueMilk]

Yes I believe so. Does anyone know if the WDWRR and DLRR have Positive Train Control yet (deadline of NEXT year to be in full compliance or they could be fined)?

From what I learned on the WDW train tour, yes, the WDWRR does comply to FRA standards.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

For the past few weeks I've been noticing that the Walt Disney World Railroad #4 Roy O Disney (the OLDEST attraction in the park – built by the Baldwin locomotive works in 1916) has been running on and off. And I think it was last week if not the week before that I saw Roy go back to the roundhouse for the day early while I was working at Barnstormer (I think it was around noon, if not sometime between then and 2:00) after they brought out Roger. Lilly, however, seems to be getting more time on the rails making her seemingly a primary engine, which is contrary to what I read from YouTube comments saying she was on reserve. But back to the subject of Roy, it seems that he's been running on and off, and when they run 3 trains, it's always Roy that goes home first. I'll admit I know A LOT about trains, but when it comes to Disney their operations of the train seem to stump me every now and then as to the workings of the trains (like how there's a big ear piercing screech as the train stops or an air hiss every now and then everytime lilly pulls in to the station). I haven't heard anything about there being problems with Roy then again I'm not a WDWRR CM or someone who would know nor have I searched other forums yet, but I'm curious to know what's going on with Roy with how he seems to be running on and off, and how he's always the first one to go home. Is there a problem with a tender truck or his pilot truck? Is the boiler going bad? Is there something wrong with him? Or are they just rotating the locomotives in and out of service weekly/daily.

P.s. For fun – I've made a poll to see who seems to be the most popular WDWRR locomotive.

Exactly what you said buddy. Roy is over 100 years old. With the Lilly Belle back to normal operation, it's about time for "Old Clanker" to get some rest. By the way I voted for Roy. I see him as being the older, wise, grandfather locomotive (I know that sounds crazy). Love to hear him clank across Towmorrowland crossing.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Does anyone know if the WDWRR has to comply with any FRA regulations?

Yes they do.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Also love Roy's crosby 6in.