@Nick Chillianis posted:I don't know for sure but I believe it would be easier to fabricate an oil tank, which is just welded sheet metal that sits inside the coal bunker, than to reinstall the coal burning apparatus on the locomotive and rebuild the stoker engine. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the coal grates and other associated components were trashed by the current regime, like the superheater units were.
Don't forget the reason for 3985's oil conversion in the first place. She was a "firebug" and was banned from operating over most of the railroad due to her propensity for starting lineside fires. I witnessed some small fires at Buford on Sherman Hill during her final excursion as a coal burner. She was constantly trailed by a hi-rail truck tasked with putting out fires before they grew and spread,
I would agree. Let's not forget 3985's oil tank came from the static display 3977. I'm sure it was less expensive and quicker to negotiate for a tank on a locomotive that's never going to use it than build one from scratch. And it was also expedient to swap tenders between the 3985 and 4014 to meet a deadline.
RHMA has no stated deadlines to return 3985 to operation. They apparently will be able to take the time and assign resources and needed outside contractors to return the locomotive to operation.
The talent is out there in the preservation world to do the job. It will take time and money. I doubt RHMA is going to do the job totally in house.
But again, nothing's going to happen until the locomotives are evaluated and in Silvis.
Rusty
