https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_Fb3iVo4uUw#!
Now with her sidelined because her tube time ran out, Wouldn’t a re-tubing reset her back to 0 time?
Great video.
Chester Louis SA #64 Hampshire County Narrow Gauge
She is the absolute pinnacle of steam technology. Able to reach speeds of 100mph and still slug it out in the mountains.
I was just reading some stuff on PRR steam development, and during the intervening time between the completion of the two T1 prototypes and permission of the War Production Board to build out the fleet, PRR tested #610 on the (of all places) Fort Wayne Division of the Western Region. Though the tests were considered successful, it is believed too much inertia in the T1 program had prevented them from changing directions. It was said that VP Symes preferred the proven J over the still testing T1.
Can you imagine the possibility of a Belpaire equipped Class J in Brunswick, five gold pinstripes and Keystones? Ironic that a PRR officer would consider the child of an affiliate road to be the superior engine for the Standard Railroad of the World.
Chester Louis said:
Now with her sidelined because her tube time ran out, Wouldn’t a re-tubing reset her back to 0 time?
Great video.
Chester Louis SA #64 Hampshire County Narrow Gauge
Chester, I’m no FRA rules expert and know nothing of 611’s status, but I would guess she needs more than just tubes for an FRA ticket. Probably needs a boiler ultrasound which usually entails asbestos abatement; might need stay bolts etc. This type of rebuild can easily go over a million dollars even for a loco that was recently in service. Even tubes alone could cost up to $250K.
Also remember, the NS Steam Program was cancelled in 1994. In 2000, the NEW CFR 40 Part 230 went into effect which changed ALOT of stuff regarding inspection and cleaning of steam locomotives and their components.
The Arcade & Attica went through this and it took eight years to bring No.18 into compliance!