There are several steam restoration projects that have been conducted and completed in the time and less than the LI engines had. I understand there is not a competition.
But we have to as ourselves where did we go wrong. Once that’s understood and we can agree on a common denominator and in some cases the locomotive owners agree to concessions that neither will be thrilled with but the benefits of a fully qualified operational locomotive is the end result.
Can it be achieved I think so. But not until we ask the tough questions and “pound the spikes” to correct the mistakes wipe the slate clean and start from scratch.
As for LIRR having a no steam policy.
That’s absolutely not the case.
LIRR has a culture issue not a bo steam issue.
There is plenty of guys in the company that “Can do” if given the opportunity. And like it or not, it’s those guys who will answer the call when the MTA or LIRR wants to do something.
Remember 90% of the folks it’s “just a a job” it’s a pay check. Come to work, Go home, and collect. They can care less about heritage.
The loss of extensive railroad knowledge over the last 25-30 years in addition to the major industry changes all contribute to the problems of LIRR operations a locomotive, but it’s not totally impossible.
It CAN be done, and LIRR has NO official “BAN” on steam.
Frankly they never been provided with a acceptable READY TO RUN cab signal equipped steam locomotive to run.
So now TODAY the locomotive owners AFTER the locomotive meets all the above, they now have to work with the host railroad (LIRR) to meet their requirements of ACSES PTC.
Yea this CAN be done.
But the movement needs to be completely overhauled.
2034 is the 200th anniversary of LIRRs charter it’s 12 years out, CAN the LI steam owners present the LIRR and MTA a fully FRA certified area locomotive in 12 years?
BTW, the oil conversion should be seriously considered for the many reason Ed at UP has stated.
As much as I want coal. It’s not really functional if it’s intended to run on the modern LIRR.
Also note the locomotive owners should seriously consider going over the G5s clearance diagram with the new high platforms it’s been a while since the last time this was done.
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