I have not been supporting this project only because of the limited places it run on the east coast. I have also been disillusioned on modern steam being built since David Wardale's big project came to a halt. That being said I have some points for discussion.
1. As to where to attempt a sanctioned speed record, It may be possible at the FRA test facility in Colorado. They do lots of interesting work there, especially on long term bearing wear, truck design, crash worthiness, etc., but I don't know about high speed testing. Since this isn't my project I'll let someone else do the research.
2. Running steam locomotives at high speed is really hard on the track due to the reciprocating mass of the drive rods and to some degree the valve motion pieces. If you were truly interested in a design that would have a better chance at achieve high speed without tearing up the tracks as it went you would be looking more into a 3 or even 4 cylinder design. This wouldn't eliminate the reciprocating mass but it would even out the forces hammering away at the rails, and reduce the need for wheel balancing. Beyond that you need to lighten up the connecting rods as much as possible, even if it means deviating from traditional steels. Believe it or not it may be possible to aluminum connecting rods. This may seem far fetched to some but you can Al piston rods for automotive applications that see significantly higher rpm and temperatures. There is also multiple research projects ongoing to use carbon fiber for automotive connecting rods instead of steel or aluminum. This would reduce the unsprung weight and reciprocating mass even further. ( I don't know it the T-1 was any easier on the track than a conventional 4-8-4. )
3. If you are going to raise a ghost machine from the dead, I think the PRR T-1 is a good choice. It was technically sound even though it had a reputation early on for slipping. Also, let's face facts, it has an inspiring appearance!
