Bells are meant to be rung. That goes for church bells as well as train bells. In our case, the church bell was a train bell. Nothing objectively wrong with that. However, the train bell in our bell tower was never used. There were two big 36" bells beside this little 16"er, that we recently animated with external strikers. With that, we pulled the ropes up on all the bells, putting this little guy out of commission for good. So we devised a plan to return it to its original home.
Darin and I worked pretty diligently to put the train bell in our belfry back on the train it came from.
Our records state that when the church was constructed in 1950, Fr. Grannan had the idea to put the train bell off the steam engine outside of Clearmont, which had been parked and the company gone bankrupt, inside the new bell tower. Not a bad idea, as the bell was not being rung. However, the bell doesn't sound as nice as the bells next to it. Consequently, it never got used.
The rail line from Clearmont to Buffalo was unofficially known as Duffy's Bluff. For more information read:
In 1982, one of the old steamers was moved to George Washington Park to be put on display. In all likelihood, our train/church bell came off this engine. So, I approached the City Council with the desire to put the bell back on the train it came off of. To which they were in full support of. Let the fun begin!
First step, Darin and I let the bell down from its mounting brackets inside the bell tower.
Looks good. Quite solid, weighing in at 75lbs or so.
Not wanting to take any chances, we brought in John for reinforcements.
Hanging a pulley from the rafters, we sought to lower it from the top down.
Mission accomplished.
Once in the shop, we could come up with a game plan. The top cradle was there for the pivot points, but no lower bracket to mount it to the train. Nor was there anything left on the train to mount to.
With a little research on how train bells are mounted, we built us a bracket out of 1.9" coal-bed methane tubing. We also welded the hinges on to deter any ideas of theft. Once we got to cleaning on the bell, we discovered it was solid brass. To finish all the welding, we removed the bell.
Eventually I took it down stairs and scrubbed on it with hot water and Simple Green.
After a little polish with some 200 grit paper, she shined like new again.
For the base, we took a piece of 3/8" plate I had laying around, and drilled some 1/2" holes in it.
Then welded it to some 2 7/8" and called it good.
Then we took it down for mounting. The original bell likely sat in between the two main stacks, and probably on these two bolts standing up. On the upper left of the stack in view, you can see an eyelet that likely guided the rope.
However, we wanted to put it on front. Better display and easier to ring.
So we drilled holes into the horizontal vessel. Because we could reach in from the front, we were able to pretty simply bolt it on.
Then we brought the bracket back and painted it up.
Once bolted back on, it was game time. By putting it together in pieces, we were able to hoist it up with a rope. Darin ran a tag line to keep it away from the scratching the front sign and catching on brackets.
Then bolted the bell back on.
Discouraging vandals has big a big concerns. So we used nylock nuts on the mounting bolts and mushroomed the threads down on the main bolt. Someone could get away with it, but it's going to take them awhile.
We also greased up the hinges to ensure smooth operation.
Mounting up the swinging rope was the next challenge.
With a bit of hondo for a knot, we had all the work up top done.
Nothing special on the fence. A little 1" poly pipe attached with some smooth-wire, and we were set.
We put a knot above the polly so you can't pull it too hard, and a looped knot down low so even little, little kids can pull it.
Darin was a natural.
Giddy up.
Usually when I introduce a new project to Darin, I preface it with, "I have an idea." This allows him to brace for impact for what is to come next. Most projects don't catch him too far off guard. But putting the bell from the belfry back on the train down town, he didn't seem coming. Didn't take him long to get on board, though. This has been a fun project for all involved, even the City Council. I hope it is more fun for the kids around town.
Bells are meant to be rung. They signify life. This old train hasn't run in 75+ years. But her historical fire still burns hot. She reminds us of a time when ingenuity and determination dominated. A time when all it took was a will to find a way. These days aren't gone, just passed. The virtues needed to see dreams into completion still exist in the human heart. America may be 250 years old, but she is forever young. Let freedom ring in Buffalo and let freedom ring in your heart. And may God continue to bless America! Ranch on.
