Maine Central 470. Millions of dollars are needed to get it up and running. Like to see it.
PRR K4 at Altoona.
In addition to Great Northern 4-8-4 #2584, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy 4-8-4 #5629 (on display at the CO RR Museum) is outfitted with roller bearings, per "Steam Locomotives of the Burlington Route", by Bernard G. Corbin
UP 3985, C&O 614, & NKP 779.
These are some of my favorite locomotive types AND they have run somewhat recently. The latter is important, in my CPA way of thinking, as they PROBABLY would take the least amount of money and time to get running again.
I cringe when I see so many restoration projects that p*ss away millions of dollars, never to actually run again. Many such projects are pipe dreams, IMHO.
What if we compiled a list of the locos closest to being able to resume operation....and then work our way down? While some of us would lose our pet loco project, there'd be a LOT more operational steam engines up and running today......IMHO.
More operating steam locomotives would mean more crews running them....which means more people would gain the knowledge of what it takes to make these machines work/run properly and carry this into the future.
Berkshire President posted:
More operating steam locomotives would mean more crews running them....which means more people would gain the knowledge of what it takes to make these machines work/run properly and carry this into the future.
An interesting take on the difficulties of training/teaching the "younger generations" how to PROPERLY run and fire large main line steam locomotives, especially the "Super Power" locomotives. I have seen quit a few pretty good Engineers over the years, that just do NOT seem to master the relationship between the power reverse gear setting vs. throttle setting. In my opinion, just because there would be "more crews running them", does NOT guarantee proper/correct operation.
Hot Water posted:Berkshire President posted:
More operating steam locomotives would mean more crews running them....which means more people would gain the knowledge of what it takes to make these machines work/run properly and carry this into the future.
An interesting take on the difficulties of training/teaching the "younger generations" how to PROPERLY run and fire large main line steam locomotives, especially the "Super Power" locomotives. I have seen quit a few pretty good Engineers over the years, that just do NOT seem to master the relationship between the power reverse gear setting vs. throttle setting. In my opinion, just because there would be "more crews running them", does NOT guarantee proper/correct operation.
Totally true, Hot Water.
But if no one runs and maintains them, the art and science of doing so will be lost for the ages.
While numbers alone do not guarantee anything, I'd like to think that the more people that are involved in operations, the more that may do it right....simply by attrition.
Obviously, nothing is guaranteed.
Actually, I think we're approaching the end of the era of mainline steam excursions. Who'd have thought 10 years ago NS would no longer allow steam excursions? Will there come a time when even the UP permanently stables it steam program? Maybe yes, maybe no. (People don't like it when I ask that question...)
Of course, any change in railroad managements could change things either way, but it seems we're getting further away from the "railroad man" management types.
I've read somewhere that the T1 Trust has a commitment with a railroad (the road escapes me) to operate their yet-to-be-built locomotive. Maybe so, but a lot can change between now and whenever the T1 is eventually completed.
Frankly, it's going to be up to the museums and steam friendly shortlines to preserve the art of steam, not mainline excursions. The upside is, those that own their own track need not worry if the locomotives have friction or roller bearings, which opens up a larger range of locomotives.
Rusty
Since we're just dreaming....
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Norfolk Southern revenue has declined $1.5B in the past two years. I am sure that is crowding out any thoughts about running steam locomotives. Sadly.....
For standard gauge: SL--SF 4-8-4 4501 or one of its sisters.
For three foot gauge, one of the ex-D&RGW K-37's (first choice) or perhaps that "Colorado Central" 2-8-0 (ex Coahuila y Zacatecas) 2-8-0 no. 71.
My favorite ... too bad it's not the CNJ build!
Disclaimer - I didn't do any research as to the condition of the locomotive or it's restorability when I posted this.
Just saying I'd love to see it run AND I'd love to run it.
Static Display -
BC&G 14
C&O 490
Not really static display but....Strasburg's 0-6-0 #31. I don't believe it has run for many years now and is undergoing a "time and money permitting" overhaul.
Rusty Traque posted:Who'd have thought 10 years ago NS would no longer allow steam excursions?
I think the real question is 10 years ago, who'd think NS would BRING BACK it's steam program or even allow steam excursions. Remember, 10 years ago, NS was still anti-steam........
Rule292 posted:My favorite ... too bad it's not the CNJ build!
Just saying I'd love to see it run AND I'd love to run it.
They cannot legally operate the locomotive. When F. Nelson Blount bought the locomotive for Steamtown, the locomotive's necessary to operate paperwork was lost in a fire. With no documentation, the locomotive couldn't run.
never heard of those...even after a complete rebuild it couldn't be operated?
PRR K4s #3750, current resident of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
I don't think we'll ever see K4s #1361 ever run again.
George
Steamer posted:never heard of those...even after a complete rebuild it couldn't be operated?
For CNR 47, she was operating in the early 1960's (and I think was Steamtown's first operating locomotive). She was originally overhauled before Blount got her, but the maintenance records from the CNR were lost in a roundhouse fire and the ICC wouldn't recognize the condition of the boiler without paperwork.
My thinking is that if she were rebuilt now, she'd be allowed to run, since you're building her back from fresh materials. It was just shut down in the early 60's because the prior CNR rebuild couldn't be verified.
Eddie Marra posted:Steamer posted:never heard of those...even after a complete rebuild it couldn't be operated?
For CNR 47, she was operating in the early 1960's (and I think was Steamtown's first operating locomotive). She was originally overhauled before Blount got her, but the maintenance records from the CNR were lost in a roundhouse fire and the ICC wouldn't recognize the condition of the boiler without paperwork.
My thinking is that if she were rebuilt now, she'd be allowed to run, since you're building her back from fresh materials. It was just shut down in the early 60's because the prior CNR rebuild couldn't be verified.
I believe you are correct in that if it was completely re-built today, a completely re-calculated FRA Form 4 would be required anyway. Don't know were RAILFAN BRODY comes up with his information from time to time.
that's what I was thinking...it or any steamer would be rebuilt from top to bottom to meet the regs, so it would be documented.
Easy peasey: The NC&StL "Dixie" Class 4-8-4 #576 ALCO product designed by the railroad's Superintendant of Machinery, Clarence Darden, right HERE in Nashville, TN and currently residing on display in Centennial Park here in Nashville. This loco and her sister engines delivered exemplary service during WWII. Roller bearings all around and the 2nd lightest 4-8-4 ever built in the US! Efforts are underway to get this engine under steam once again, pending funding.
Tinplate Art posted:Easy peasey: The NC&StL "Dixie" Class 4-8-4 #576 ALCO product designed by the railroad's Superintendant of Machinery, Clarence Darden, right HERE in Nashville, TN and currently residing on display in Centennial Park here in Nashville. This loco and her sister engines delivered exemplary service during WWII. Rolder bearings all around and the 2nd lightest 4-8-4 ever built in the US!
OK, I have to ask,,,,,,,,,,,why would ANYBODY want the "lightest 4-8-4" existent, for main line excursion service today?
Efforts underway to get this engine under way pending funding.
Hot Water: Because there would likely NOT be a clearance or weight restriction for most mainline service. They pulled fairly long heavyweight passenger trains and unit tank trains during the war years. The NYC folks on a visit said they rode better than many of their engines!
Hot Water: With all due respect sincerely, check out the late David Morgan's article in a December (?) 1963 Trains on these amazing locos - PLEASE and THANK YOU! :-)
Hot Water posted:Don't know were RAILFAN BRODY comes up with his information from time to time.
I had this on DVD. Watching it now having not seen it for some time, I can see where my information was not accurate. My mistake.
Railfan Brody posted:Hot Water posted:Don't know were RAILFAN BRODY comes up with his information from time to time.
I had this on DVD. Watching it now having not seen it for some time, I can see where my information was not accurate. My mistake.
That was one of the first places I heard that as well. It leads you to think that she was shut down permanently from running due to the absence of maintenance records. But it ends up that their options probably were to either tear her down and rebuild completely at that time (given she was overhauled a few years prior, that would be a needless expense) or just take her offline to adhere to the ICC.
But she would be really interesting to see running now, given a full restoration. Given that it's Steamtown, I don't know if or when that would happen. Restoration work there seems to be a slow process due to resources of people and money, which is common with a lot of steam-powered railroads.
BTW the roller bearing fluids in the 576 have been drawn and checked via analysis and even after 64 years in the elements, the bearings are in excellent shape! Much inspection work has been done in place by some good steam mechanical folks and this loco is an excellent candidate for restoration. One of the fundraising ideas is to have an ALL TRAIN SONG concert at one of our main music venues here in Nashville with local performers like Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Dolly, etc and the proceeds go to the restoration fund. As everyone knows, there are a plethora of train songs in country and blue grass music as well as pop and folk songs. We are halfway to our financial goal to move the engine from the park to the Tennessee Central Railway Museum serviced by the Nashville and Eastern Ry.
Eddie Marra posted:But she would be really interesting to see running now, given a full restoration. Given that it's Steamtown, I don't know if or when that would happen. Restoration work there seems to be a slow process due to resources of people and money, which is common with a lot of steam-powered railroads.
The plan right now is to have four operable/semi-operable locomotives, two large for the main and two smaller ones for on-site interpretation. Supposedly CN 3377 will go in for restoration when B&M 3713 is complete. This leaves an opening for another locomotive to join BLW #26. Could it be CN 47? Maybe. I don't think they have made a decision that far out yet.
Diverging Clear posted:I seen the Frisco 1522 when it came to Decatur, IL. October, 1988. An unforgettable experience to say the least!
Rusty
I never saw the both of them together, so i don't know in what order to rank them but 1522 and RBM&N 425 are the two loudest locomotives I've ever witnessed in person.
Hmmm. As much as I like the earlier engines, the 3424 sure looks slick 
Montclaire posted:Eddie Marra posted:But she would be really interesting to see running now, given a full restoration. Given that it's Steamtown, I don't know if or when that would happen. Restoration work there seems to be a slow process due to resources of people and money, which is common with a lot of steam-powered railroads.
The plan right now is to have four operable/semi-operable locomotives, two large for the main and two smaller ones for on-site interpretation. Supposedly CN 3377 will go in for restoration when B&M 3713 is complete. This leaves an opening for another locomotive to join BLW #26. Could it be CN 47? Maybe. I don't think they have made a decision that far out yet.
I know it's heretic but I'd love to see CN 47 painted as one of the CNJ 4-6-4ts like 225.
Hey if they can stick CNJ lettering on the O gauge 4-6-6ts why not some "modelers license" on a prototype steamer! 
I know it's heretic but I'd love to see CN 47 painted as one of the CNJ 4-6-4ts like 225.
Huh!!! 
I don't know why but I really like this engine, I would really love to try to run it on fast Main line track with a good load behind... Yes , I have no experience with steam but have run a few heavy trains. (I'm not a qualified engineman) I bet this thing would also move freight at a good clip. I guess I would need a fireman....Anyone know anybody??
I wouldn't mind seeing this little dude in operation:
Rusty
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The Cab forward (4294) at the California railroad Museum.
The 576 has lateral motion drive boxes on two axles so turning on the two wyes in Nashville and possibly Monterey, TN should not be an issue. There is also the possibility of a turntable installation in Lebanon, TN, the headquarters of the Nashville and Eastern RR. The restoration will take place at the Tennessee Central Railway Museem located on the Nashville & Eastern.
Times Square posted:N&W 578 at Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington.
Saw this run at ORM as a kid, have a recording of my father running it. I would just be happy if it ended up in Sugarcreek.
Bob
Hot Water posted:Tinplate Art posted:Easy peasey: The NC&StL "Dixie" Class 4-8-4 #576 ALCO product designed by the railroad's Superintendant of Machinery, Clarence Darden, right HERE in Nashville, TN and currently residing on display in Centennial Park here in Nashville. This loco and her sister engines delivered exemplary service during WWII. Rolder bearings all around and the 2nd lightest 4-8-4 ever built in the US!
OK, I have to ask,,,,,,,,,,,why would ANYBODY want the "lightest 4-8-4" existent, for main line excursion service today?
Efforts underway to get this engine under way pending funding.
Best reason of all. It has a place to run today!
I'd like to see Illinois Central 2542 restored to operational condition (if the town of Mccomb allows it 🙄)
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At least one of the East Broad Top Baldwins sleeping in the Orbisonia roundhouse.
