admiralwolf wrote:Been a while since I've been on.A-1) Based on 18's work, I'd suspect, barring any additional work found through the ultrasound, #14 would require 500k for restoration:
So my questions are:
1) What is the actual price tag estimate for rebuilding an engine like that (and getting a tender built along with it)
I. A new shop: Even if the work was done while 18 was left outside during the summer, eventually they would need a place for 18 while 14 remained in 18's bay. I still think the best thing is to move all the tools and such from the shop to a boxcar, and toss a lit fusee into the shop.. it would be gone and out of the way before a call could even be placed to the fire dept. A new steel structure could be built to the exact requirements of the railroad today, including smaller bays for the MoW equip. as well as a restoration bay for working on the cars.
II. No14 is but a scrap heap at the moment. Assume the work on her could be done for 250 like No.18. You then need to factor in also the superheater header and pipes... another 10-15k. Also, many parts for 14 were scrounged away to keep 18 running. Both air pumps are missing (the most obvious detail I know of). She also has a power reverser, which would require more work as well.
III. While working to restore 14, someone also needs to maintain #18. This will mean either a) the restoration takes longer, causing a price increase through inflation b) hire more people.
IV. The tender. This is is the biggie. Either way, a new tender needs to be built, or purchased and modified. Come to think of it, there is a cute little ex-RDG one that would work great behind 18 in Temple, PA.
2) Where is something like that actually done. I know A&A has the shops to maintain it's equipment within reason, but I'm certain that this would be the type of thing an engine would need to go out for. Would a place like Steamtown or Strasburg be used for a rebuild of that nature?A-2) As was the case with 18, much of the boiler work could be done in the A&A shops. There were issues with the way 18's restoration was handled, but this isn't the place to air that. The biggest thing would be the reconstruction of two air compressors for 14.
3) Has anything happened recently to bring up the prospect of more freight business on the line? Last I heard it was just the feed mill, but that something might be in the works in another way.A-3) None that has been made public.
4) If by some amazing act of the rail gods the necessary funding suddenly came about, would it be worth having two operating engines? I mean, it seems like it would probably be an OK idea if there were enough passenger cars to pull a couple trains each day.Other than for the uber-rail fans, no. There is no good reason why the A&A should expend funds to have two operating engines concurrently. Now, if business picks up drastically, that could change, but at this time, its bad enough they are advertising one run with steam and one run with diesel per day. Again, there are issues with this, but this isn't the place to air those either.
5) Are there enough crew men left who could successfully operate two steam engines side by side.See above... since it ain't smart to run them simultaneously, a second crew isn't needed. However, like any skill, new people could be trained if the business warranted it. And between you and me... if what I've seen first hand and in videos is any indication, I'd say the current crew (firemen anyways) could use a term or two in those old learn-at-home courses on how to fire a steam engine.
Personally, the best thing would be to work on 14 now, and get her all set to run in 2023. Thats when 18's 15 year inspection comes due, and this has to happen all over again anyways. Unless they modify the Part 230 again before then.
I know, a lot of questions, but I guess I'm just curious in case, you know, I ever suddenly win the lottery or become some ridiculously successful business man that could leave motor yachts as tips for the pizza guy.
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__ J. D. Gallaway __
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