by Montclaire
How about this then, which engine would you most like to see restored to operating condition? Which do you think fits best with the mission of Steamtown and it's intended usage?
Railroad Forums
Moderators: rob216, Miketherailfan
Montclaire wrote:How seriously are they approaching the restoration of 3713? It was announced ages ago that they would begin on it, and it's still sitting there.While it has been a "work in progress", work IS being done on the 3713. Snafus happen and the crew must keep the operable engines, well - operable. The closest estimate for operation of the 3713 is looking like 2011. Let's all hope and pray nothing else takes attention away from or throws a monkey wrench in the works of the restoration of 3713 and she fires within the next 2 years.
Montclaire wrote:Isn't 2317 scheduled to be torn down very shortly?From what I know, 3713 and Baldwin #26 are the main focus of restoration at the moment. This is/was the last year to see 2317 in operation, as 2317 is at the end of her FRA hours and needs an overhaul. 2317 will likely sit until 3713 and the 26 are back in operation, leaving likely only the 3254 as operable steam for next season.
Montclaire wrote:Ok, now here is the million dollar question: given the information we have, is it possible that Steamtown will be left without an operable steam locomotive while all this is going on? How many hours does 3254 have left? From what I can gather from the website, Baldwin 26 looks to be 1-2 years away from completion, meaning a potential two seasons without a backup engine should something happen to 3254. Assuming that the Baldwin follows as does everything else, and runs over schedule, can 3254 last a full three seasons of regular duty?One would guess that only time will tell. The do have paid employees working on both 3713 and 26 - Mike Tillger is one of them that I know of. Cross your fingers and toes that all goes well and we see these two in operation within the next 2 years.
Sure, they always have the diesel, but that's another story...
3254 burned up two main bearings on the return trip and had to be sidelined at Moscow. NPR 514 also burned up one traction motor but was able to pull the cars back to Steamtown. The motor problem must be repaired now as they plan to use 514 for the July 4th excursion to Moscow. Unfortunately it will take some time to repair 3254.
Montclaire wrote:Understandable. But they really need to safeguard that they don't wind up in a similar position as they did during the 2009 excursion to the Tunk Viaduct, as noted here:One never knows what the future will hold. DL has come to the rescue in the past, so that MAY be an option. Hopefully, things will run smoothly enough with what's available till other power is available.
3254 burned up two main bearings on the return trip and had to be sidelined at Moscow. NPR 514 also burned up one traction motor but was able to pull the cars back to Steamtown. The motor problem must be repaired now as they plan to use 514 for the July 4th excursion to Moscow. Unfortunately it will take some time to repair 3254.