#448

[@danielramsey1959]

I would invest my time as a heavy equipment mechanic of over 40 years to help this little railroad, would be a fun working vacation from cold Alaska during the winter.

[@DrFruikenstein]

She backfired a few times. Probably a leak blowing right on the burner, putting the fire out, causing a harder than usual re-ignition. I feel bad for the poor fireman having to deal with that.

[@gravelydon7072]

It looked like he had a "bone" in front of the burner. When one builds up there, you can just about forget about maintaining pressure. And when the boiler cools down, you have to go in with a hammer and chisel to break the darn things up. We always put some coarse sand on the bottom of the firebox to help prevent them from sticking so hard. Funny thing about Dan Ranger, I don't think there are many small railroads he hasn't operated on. I miss the Graham County Railroad that he ran back in the late 60s/early 70s.

[@deltatrains]

Great vacation pictures James. I can always watch a train video. Like you said it was having issues with the burner and building steam and that was dramatic footage around the 9:00 minute mark. Thanks for sharing them with us. All the best, Peter.

[@SkeenaPacific]

Thank you , Peter. I had fun. The LK&P's misfortune turned into my little drama. I think they are having some troubles so I hope it all works out. Cheers! James

[@SkeenaPacific]

That is good news. I wish him every success and hope all that can, will support the endeavour.

[@cartersol38]

Anaka definitely in trouble here! I worked on the LK&PRR when Dan and David (son) Ranger were operating this concession. Mel Gowing succeeded Mr Ranger and I was in charge of tracks and bridges along with a small crew. The rail at that time was salvaged from the old Kahului Railroad and installed on the LK&PRR. Skeen Pacific is correct. The rail was (is) very light, and the Plymouth Diesel was strictly a standby power source. I really enjoyed working for the LK&PRR. Great crews and a real fun place to work. Thank you for bringing back memories!

[@SkeenaPacific]

+Sol Carter Thank you for the info, Sol.

[@gregsmith1719]

Lucky guy!!!

[@Ali-uz8qg]

Sol Carter - Cool memories.

[@paultownsend8353]

Sol Carter

[@syednazim8254]

Why this train is running empty? Is this meant for joyride for tourist/ visitors. In my country we have this type of narrow gauge steam engine train at changa manga forest. Mainly our train is used to transport wood logs from deep inside of thick forest but on holidays it is also used for joy ride.

[@larryrwendelljr4465]

I know three fellows that are Pearl Harbor History Associates, I will send this video to them, as they go to Ha'Waii quite often, Mahalo!

[@SkeenaPacific]

Larry R Wendell Jr I hope they can make it to Maui and support the new operator.

[@larryrwendelljr4465]

Skeena Pacific I've talked with them via telephone, and they will try to make the effort to do so!

[@christophkleingalczinsky3295]

Larry R Wendell Jr CD Fine

[@royreynolds108]

Some information based on work and operation on the Huckleberry RR and the Jefferson & Cypress Bayou RR that I have done. There was two major problems with the burner of ANAKA; 1. her valve gear is not set correctly and is very lame, 2. the burner is not working correctly probably because one of the steam joints in the smokebox started leaking killing the draft(draught) of the fire. This happened to a small 2-6-0 on the Huckleberry RR while it and a GE 25 ton diesel were being used to substitute for the normal 4-6-0. A new gasket was all that was needed to restore order and proper operation of the fire. As to the track, I am a civil engineer with 20 years track experience. The track does need work but some of those shots were very telephoto and that tends to exaggerate the motion and the depth of field by foreshortening the view. I don't know the rail size here but that is probably the problem with the diesel. The Huckleberry"s Plymouth was 12 tons on 4 wheels or 12000 lbs/axle and the GE was 25 tons on 4 wheels or 25000 lbs/axle but the smallest rail was 75 lb/yd so the axle load was not a problem. If the rail is 20 lb to 40 lb then anything over about 15000 lb/axle could very well be a problem to the track.

[@SkeenaPacific]

Thank you for the insight, Roy. Since this video was made, the "Sugar Cane Train" has returned to operation and is currently running 'Holiday Express' seasonal service. www.sugarcanetrain.com/

[@kpadmirer]

That's good news!

[@wimflorijn9775]

kpadmirer frieslanf

[@gaamatsu4dewin]

I, think-I, can, I, think-I, can, I, think-I, can..... This poor engine is stuttering and puffing as hard as she can, but she's a trooper.

[@eisenbahnerimdienst8223]

gaamatsu4dewin At Germany, we'll say: who'll help me.

[@sushantasahu5624]

Very well maintained rolling stock. Kudos guys.

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Nice video of a working steam train and fun to watch it in action.. Take care now.

[@SkeenaPacific]

Thank you.

[@fredeisen7401]

Alas I never had the opportunity to see or ride this operation. I honeymooned in Maui in October of 2015 and operations had ceased by then. Took a lot of photos but, sure wish my wife and I could have ridden the train.

[@christay21]

nice to here the westing house pump

[@exempligratia101]

I’ve only seen this railroad thanks to the “I Love Toy Trains” series. I’ve always wanted to visit this railway. Sadly, however, despite its revived Christmas Train in 2019, the Railway’s equipment and line are now being sold off. Which means that the death toll of the Sugar Cane Train have sounded. And the real estate company that owns the land won’t take offers. RIP Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Pacific Railroad 1969-2021

[@SkeenaPacific]

That is sad. Thanks for the info.

[@exempligratia101]

@@SkeenaPacific let’s hope that someone with the affordability and passion can be able to take this equipment and use it for a new work life. Wouldn’t be good to leave it in storage.

[@2665916]

That's the best train whistle ever.

[@neilforbes416]

Quite apart from the rails having no sleepers, watching the from about 9:20 onward looked like the loco was about to be engulfed in flames. That is SERIOUS trouble!

[@SkeenaPacific]

While the track looked bad, it was pretty standard for narrow gauge operation at modest speeds. They had just passed Federal inspection the day before (the day I first went to video but they weren't operating because of the inspection). The track is laid on ties (sleepers) but vegetation grows rapidly in Hawaii.

[@Nutzkie2001]

I'm planning on a Hawaiian cruise at the end of next year and am hoping to God almighty that this outfit is still running when I get there. I'm going to be playing golf at Kapalua in the morning, and plan on bailing off the bus at Kaanapali so I can take the train the rest of the way back to Lahaina. Fingers crossed!

[@Papasmurf7597]

Seems like a million years ago now, but I almost had a job at this little RR firing. Way back in the early 80s.

[@thomaskerley1388]

Reminds me of some cars I've had to limp home and hope they make it.

[@crazysdk]

Wow. I thought the Yreka Western was bad when I rode it...some of the track here might be worse.

[@melperry3576]

don't forget the or&l at ewa on oahu

[@toddtaylor3384]

Its too bad that the boys from Durango (D&SNGRR) and some of the other Narrow Gauge lines Could not go out there during the Winter Months when not that much is going on and help them get their line back in order so that it is running good. If the track and the Ties Etc. etc. are in good shape then they just need a helping hand to keep em going. Is this the train that used to haul Sugar Cane? I have seen Sketches from Many many years ago and recognize the Star on the front but that could have been some other train in Hawaii.

[@SkeenaPacific]

Yes, Todd, a former sugar-cane hauler. I guess we'll just have to see how the new owner makes out.

[@toddtaylor3384]

We'll hope for the best in the Railroad World. Has "Trains" Run a story about this recently?

[@SkeenaPacific]

Todd Taylor Not that I have seen. No 'Newswire' mention either.

[@jackieb596]

Todd Taylor i

[@jackieb596]

Todd Taylor is

[@neilforbes416]

Okay, so the loco wasn't engulfed in flames(after seeing the complete video) but while the loco was at that platform(midway through clip), if you looked below the loco you'll have seen fire spurting out under the boiler, could've caused a grass fire under the loco.

[@r.clemons5946]

Oil-fired engine, over firing causes flames and smoke from under cab. Smoke should be almost clear except to sand the flues or to make a "classic" shot. Also, air-pump seems to be running too much, may need a larger reserve like the one on the back of the tender. Air is used to control combustion in firebox, may need a second air pump. Also, amount of air needed to pump brakes off seems excessive, may have leaks in air lines.

[@lomgshorts3]

Seems to me that the rails and cross ties need replacing badly, and the grass needs to be gone after new bedding laid down. That was the Great Smokey Mountain Railway's problem, and due to the rails being forced outwards because of rotted ties, it derailed a lot and the cars twisted around a lot detracting pleasure from the ride.

[@donotwantahandle1111]

Why does the loco have 3 domes?

[@SkeenaPacific]

+d ss The large one in the middle is the steam dome, the other two are sand domes, used for dropping sand in front of and behind the drivers for traction.

[@Bulldozer602]

Anthony Smith B.B.

[@josephbrandtner9885]

Large center dome is the steam dome. The smaller ones are sand domes for storing sand and dropping sand on the rails ahead of the wheels for more adhesion, one for forward and one for reverse.

[@andrewdaniels3063]

Because if it had two domes, it would be a camel.

[@PirateAdmiral-bx6sx]

Look how amazing it used to look before I kinda wish it still look like that today. I miss the sugar cane train

[@SkeenaPacific]

It did run at Christmas but I don't know if it is operating regularly as it used to.

[@PirateAdmiral-bx6sx]

@@SkeenaPacific no they closed down last Year on December 2019

[@PirateAdmiral-bx6sx]

@@SkeenaPacific ride cost 50 dollars per person and it only went about 15 miles

[@PirateAdmiral-bx6sx]

@@SkeenaPacific I should have a video of it of me reviewing it

[@mackpines]

4:43 Yikes! That’s a rough section of track there.

[@Ali-uz8qg]

Very pretty Engine.

[@BCSchmerker]

*I noticed all the smoke escaping from the air-inlet pan on the firebox.* Were the tubes and flues plugged in addition to the burner atomizer trouble?

[@SkeenaPacific]

Sorry, I don't know. I was unable to talk to the crew to ask about the problem, I only observed it.

[@nadinespence1300]

Skeena Pacific

[@barryphillips7327]

The railway tracks along side the street badly need attention. The loco was having some sort of firebox problems but it looks like it was able to get home.

[@dondesnoo1771]

Looks like rock island line before she Departed from being a railroad.😎

[@r.clemons5946]

Overfiring may be the problem. That, or issues with combustion air/tubes

[@Phibes525252]

I don't think the crew has any idea what's happening. Did anyone notice that the pilot wheels weren't turning? Later in the video, you can see the pilot wheels with large flat spots. Failed inspection standing and rolling. Particularly dangerous when we're talking about a steam locomotive.

[@eddieknox9874]

looks like this would be the kind of train you would see out west

[@tjinouye8387]

The LK&P ceased operations 01 Aug 14, not certain when the scrappers will begin to dismantle the line, but with property prices on Maui shooting through the roof, it won't be long, RIP LK&P....1969-2014!

[@SkeenaPacific]

Thank you for the info, TJ. I am sorry to hear of the closure.

[@7seriesfan111]

The operation has just been purchased by a West Maui business man. Plans to renovate the whole operation and get service going again soon.

[@nuckelheddjones6502]

+7SeriesFan GREAT news

[@rpgrace]

Was there three days ago, hoping to see the Anaka, unfortunately she was gone. I was a month late!

[@SkeenaPacific]

I'm sorry you missed them and am sad for the demise of a good little operation.

[@TFN5459]

Is she physically gone like no longer on property or just in the shop because of the shut down

[@bagelboi66]

Someone is having a good vacation this winter! :D

[@SkeenaPacific]

Yes, yes I did ;-)

[@jeffreymonroe4776]

what gauge is the railway skeena pacific?

[@SkeenaPacific]

As noted in the description, it's 36 inch (3 foot) gauge.

[@jeffreymonroe4776]

oh sorry

[@SkeenaPacific]

No probs, Jeffrey. I do encourage my viewers to read the descriptions because I try to include interesting bits of information there so that the video isn't messed about with sub-titles or commentary. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelwood9922]

love that whistle

[@SpawnofChaos]

...Holy crap, that trackage in the 2nd part... Poor little steamer! I can't help but wonder if maybe the severe side-to-side movement that was going on as it came around that corner the first time we saw it putting up smoke had something to do with the issue? Like maybe something got jostled loose?

[@morgster53]

I suspect they slowed down for the section of bad track, and the smoke out the stack was because they were bringing the train back up to speed.

[@SpawnofChaos]

According to the description, it was smoking due to an issue with the oil burners in the boiler. I'm wondering if the bad trackage there could have contributed to the issue.

[@SkeenaPacific]

While the track looked bad, it was pretty standard for narrow gauge operation at modest speeds. They had just passed Federal inspection the day before (the day I first went to video but they weren't operating because of the inspection).

[@SpawnofChaos]

Good point. That first jolt to the locomotive's left looked extra harsh, but you're right, narrow gauge track isn't required to be as smooth as standard gauge.

[@r.clemons5946]

Telescopic lens on camera magnified the issues of jostling/shaking/whatever.

[@PereMarquette1223]

Go to 4:40, and wait for the bumpy ride at 4:45. Yikes...

[@gragor11]

Well It's a year later now. Did the railroad survive under the new ownership?

[@SkeenaPacific]

+Gra Gor I wish I had the money to go find out.. .;-) Perhaps another viewer knows. - Both the railway website www.sugarcanetrain.com/ and Wikipedia.com note that they are hoping to reopen in 'late 2016'. They are accepting donations to revive the service.

[@jdgfilms9595]

Man they fire that thing hard! Its awesome!

[@tmeyer2022]

Is that the "Sugar Cane Train"? The wife and I have ridden it on a few visits to Maui. Last year, we noticed it was no longer in operation. Sad !

[@SkeenaPacific]

Ted Meyer That's the one, Ted. Apparently it ran briefly in 2016 but nothing since.

[@jdgfilms9595]

Holy crap, did the fire go out?

[@donaldhawkes5226]

What's wrong with the engine ? Is it missing on the stroke? Someone should let us know what's going on doc

[@SkeenaPacific]

The locomotive burns oil and the burner was having issues.

[@davidkamensky8831]

This is why you get the high grade oil, and not the cheap oil. It the real reason it smoking up a storm

[@TFN5459]

It's kind of sad to see the LK&P in a state like this. I recall riding the train a few years back when the Myrtle used to haul 5 or 6 cars that were always full and the train was still in top shape. Now it seems like the line has fallen into disrepair and that the revenue seems to have dropped off steeply. I'd hate to say it but I think the LK&P might need to consider diesel power at the rate their going. The Anaka and Myrtle are definitely the stalwarts of the line but I honestly don't know how profitable it is to run both the porters on a daily basis with the small crowds that ride these days.

[@SkeenaPacific]

I think (hope) they are going through a bit of a low period. Myrtle had just had tyres replaced, so maintenance is being done. It was bad luck that Anaka was having burner problems. Ridership is definitely off and a scathing review in 'Maui Revealed' (a well-known tourist guide book) probably isn't helping the cause. They do have a diesel there, but apparently it is more trouble than running steam, as it is a track-eater. Keep our fingers crossed, and buy souvenirs, ride the train when you're there.

[@TFN5459]

Skeena Pacific I didn't realize the #45 Plymouth was so hard on the track. I know it is a non revenue engine for them but didn't realize that it was a pain to operate. I'm guessing the Myrtle might take over operations should the Anaka need to go down for repairs. Besides the engines, I think the right of way in some parts could use some major TLC

[@SkeenaPacific]

TFN5459 In my very amateur eyes, the track isn't in bad shape. They had just passed Fed inspection earlier that week. While it looks like you need to run a mower the entire length, the ties, drainage and the like look good and the axle loadings are pretty light. Maybe the next time we are over I'll offer to walk the line with a rotary mower. Could be fun....

[@TFN5459]

Skeena Pacific I definitely agree about the vegetation, anything could be fun in Hawai'i. Personally the track felt very rough to me and the cars were swaying a considerable amount last time I rode the LK&P, and it just feels like it could be smoother.

[@pearlyhumbucker9065]

+Skeena Pacific I dont agree with you regarding the maintenance is being done (correctly). Anaka did not only have simple burner problems. The exhaust was not regularly and rhythmic but somewhat out of time menaing that the gear isnt working correct. As for the "burner problems" - IMHO it is not usual for smoke shooting out of the firebox at every exhaust as the steam would shoot out the stack and would draw the smoke out of the smokebox, out of the tubes and therefore out of the firebox. There must something sereously wrong with this engine for reversing the smoke flow at every steam exhaust ..... Best seen is this behavior @8:40....

[@Chris9017]

They need a 3rd engine, no doubt about it, and Ideally, another 2-4-0 Porter engine and there are plenty of those around. With another steam engine, they would be doing better, and also some of the vegitation should be taken care of as well.

[@SkeenaPacific]

Unfortunately, what they need is more revenue in the form of ridership. But in this case, it was just bad timing. The other Porter was not quite ready to be out-shopped from some fairly major maintenance when the burner problem showed up. As noted, they have a small diesel but are loathe to use it on the lightly-laid track, which, by appearance, could also use a bit of TLC.

[@marcuscheng2507]

Awesome video!!!!

[@neilforbes416]

Looking at that track, I'm not all that surprised this loco and its train got into trouble. The line(rails) look like they were laid directly onto the ground instead of a bed of wooden or concrete sleepers. Not much there to hold those rails at their 3-foot width.

[@SkeenaPacific]

While the track looked bad, it was pretty standard for narrow gauge operation at modest speeds. They had just passed Federal inspection the day before (the day I first went to video but they weren't operating because of the inspection). The track is laid on ties (sleepers) but vegetation grows rapidly in Hawaii.

[@neilforbes416]

A lot of narrow-gauge tracks are, as with standard gauge, laid on a ballast first, then the sleepers are laid down(shhhhh, don't wake them LOL) before the rails are put in place. I've seen this in a few videos of narrow-gauge railways.

[@r.clemons5946]

I think some of the wood used for ties.sleepers may be a species that is resistant to rot.

[@boxcarwillies1603]

Poor old engine, but actually not surprising. Porters were never really well built industrial types, being in the crudest of forms most often. Their smaller engines, like the one Anaka is based off of, had a career of being hard to steam engines sometimes.

[@stephendartnall8928]

Definitely poor track maintenance..........plus the boiler needs overhaul sad...beautiful loco

[@johnneedy3164]

What is its fuel

[@SkeenaPacific]

oil

[@johnneedy3164]

@@SkeenaPacific thank you 😊 we don't have any steam running close to us ,you would figure Louisville Kentucky of all places would have one ,but we do have a steam paddle boat

[@PirateAdmiral-bx6sx]

It's really sad that they closed down

[@SkeenaPacific]

There was new ownership and the train has returned to operation. www.sugarcanetrain.com/

[@brentnicol6391]

As a model railroader, this is the best and lealistic HO scale I have ever seen. Even the people can move. Shame, what is wrong with that engine? Does anyone know?

[@eddieknox9874]

just 6 miles?

[@SkeenaPacific]

yep.

[@brainiac-mv6wd]

Do they ever have any passengers?

[@SkeenaPacific]

As far as I am aware, LK&P is not currently operating. The video shows the train going to it's terminus for the first run of the day, therefore, no passengers.

[@digger105337]

Sounds like timing valve is out of adjust ,or the seals are toast, he's opening the throttle wider than necessary trying to make up for that. Hence the flash in the firebox, smoke with low draft. I think Jiffy Lube could handle the situation... lol 😤

[@tornadoguygaming]

Why was it making those flames in the middle of the video

[@SkeenaPacific]

The locomotive use oil for fuel and it was the burner that was causing problems by not functioning properly as shown by those flare-ups.

[@tornadoguygaming]

oh

[@Pastmaster-15]

Hey look it's dr Emmet browns.train

[@NJPurling]

It certainly looks as if the burner is running very rich. It shows the effect of flames blowing down below the firebox, as is sometimes seen in shots of Cuban sugar mill locos at work. But then they were probably deliberately putting on a show for the photographer. If there is little smokebox vacuum, there is no draught through the firebox. What does the fireman do in the circumstances? Professional pride suggests he keeps smoke to a minimum, but then he can't keep steam up. I would have thought that the railroad would have the means of setting the valves of 'ANAKA'. It sounds like an old man with fluid on the lungs. Does the correct information not exist anymore? In a humid climate I assume that two of the domes are containers of sand, the heat keeping the sand dry so it runs freely when required for extra traction.

[@jacobwoods8738]

NJPurling When the loco is working hard the flames come out the bottom, any oil burner can do it, but with poor draughtiness or poor oil (Cuba) working quite hard, that causes the blowback flames.

[@flyaround5953]

If they need a cheaper engine why don't they use the #5 tanker engine at the place it looks in good condition and it would cost less to run and once their operations get better then they can repair the 2 other engines and have 3 steam engines a win win for them

[@SuperSlik50]

and the AN&AL In Kahului

[@brianfalzon6739]

Sounds like a PRR 3 Chime

[@vincentberkan605]

I thought this line shut down.

[@SkeenaPacific]

It did. It then re-opened just before Christmas, 2017. It looks to have closed again with the intent of re-opening in 2018. See: www.sugarcanetrain.com/

[@evanf1293]

hope they will reopen eventually

[@Rickster5176]

The train looked seriously empty.

[@SkeenaPacific]

It was coming from the train shed to the terminal in advance of its first trip of the day.

[@snidepete5700]

Man, that track is SHOT! In some places it's a wonder she stays on it! Generally the case by the time the ties are overgrown! Too bad!

[@michaelsorrells9458]

I have see them before

[@mickcarson8504]

Those old rail tracks need upgrading. I mean, such a beautiful locomotive riding on unstable track? No no no. Of all the money some rich people have, they can't afford to donate?

[@digger105337]

But it sure does Shine...

[@HobbyOrganist]

Captain Kirk!! she's on FIRE!!!!

I think the trouble was - No passengers

[@SkeenaPacific]

There were passengers waiting at the depot for this run. It looks like they are back on the rails, promoting a holiday train. www.sugarcanetrain.com/

[@Thomas1980]

great!!!

[@TheShospitali]

I think I can, I think I can, choo choo

[@christay21]

no genaroater going yet at 9 min

[@timb393]

100% trouble and needs help.

[@johnb332]

Come see the new California bullet train.

[@kennethmccann6402]

I see a very poor track and the FDA won't approved to have operate with the passenger service (it's too risky for the people or train can derail.)

[@SkeenaPacific]

While the track looked bad, it was pretty standard for narrow gauge operation at modest speeds. They had just passed Federal inspection the day before (the day I first went to video but they weren't operating because of the inspection).

[@melissasueh.]

It is the FRA, not the FDA, and the track is no worse than some mainland commercial track. The rails are just very small.

[@felipevigill5892]

Nombre corria mas rapido un caballo que este ferrocarril

[@robertgift]

Why is the choo-choo not perfectly even?

[@Bassmanfallon]

Yes it is in trouble as it would fail an emissions test.Trade it in for a horse and cart my son.

[@johnneedy3164]

Hot box I see

[@keswickcaravan]

Classic tourist example of Americas failing infrastructure

[@nuckelheddjones6502]

Looking at those rails and he lateral movement in the first run down the main, i wouldn't think a little freaking maintenance is out of line. Come on. That is going to keep getting worse till it throws the train over at some point. It is a shame that more of today's tech kids dont take advantage of this beautiful piece of heritage. No worries on your camera work mate. Looked just fine to me.

[@SkeenaPacific]

+Nuckelhedd Jones Thanks for all the comments. I think that they had kept deferring some maintenance to save money, but the road did pass inspection earlier in the week. Maybe it's just a 'narrow gauge thing' ;-)

[@7seriesfan111]

+Skeena Pacific +Skeena Pacific Pacific are we talking past tense or present tense? Like it just passed inspection on the week of the 27th of September 2015? If so... Where did you hear that?

[@SkeenaPacific]

+7SeriesFan I was talking past. When I was there in February, 2014, they were being Federally inspected and had passed.