restorations, 611 routes, 1218 and more.

[NW Mailing List]

1218 has roller bearings on all axles, engine and tender, but not on the
rods.  It should be OK in that respect.

Dave Stephenson


On Friday, June 2, 2017, 6:26:11 PM EDT, NW Mailing List <
nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> wrote:

> As most people on lists such as these know all too well, just because
> there is a stretch of track here or there, does not mean a steamer can run
> on it. While NS has been friendly in the recent past, that never means it
> will be so in the future.
>
> Just desiring to see the object of one’s dreams operate here or there or
> where, does not necessarily guarantee it will go "there." Sure, people
> desire those rare miles for passenger trains but so many more factors are
> involved not the least of which are included traffic patterns and personnel
> limitations. Not the least of which is the old adage MONEY.
>
> Yes, taking much the same routes as it has these past 3 first seasons, it
> does get a bit old, and that was some of what had already started to take
> hold in the 1980's and 1990's. but yes, other factors were in play there as
> well.
>
> As for speculation of another of the wannabe restorations, N&W 1218, I was
> told some time ago, that in addition to serious firebox work, other
> problems were yet to be addressed, but were not insurmountable, either back
> in 1994 or today. Getting spare parts is not as much an issue as some might
> think, for that was common practice when this was an everyday adventure. If
> 611 cost close to $750,000 to bring back to life, better get out your
> calculator and pocketbook for higher costs by at least a million or a
> million and a half MORE (if even that may be sufficient) to see the big
> hooter under steam once again. 611 was all together and in decent shape
> when retired in 1994, 1218 was tired and not having roller bearings was
> already an issue with it. However, a sugar-daddy campaign and big
> sugar-daddy to fund it would help, that is for sure. Did n’t hurt 611
> that’s for sure.
>
> In the US we have not had much luck overall for such things. The PRR guys
> working on the new T1 are hard at work but even they know theirs is an
> uphill and long-term battle. The Tornado project in Great Britain was a
> long-term deal and may very well help provide the proper roadmap for future
> such projects in the US.
>
> Oh, to see a NYC Dreyfuss Streamlined Hudson under steam, or Niagara, L&N
> Big Emma, NH I-5 Hudson, NC&St.L Dixie (yes there is hope on the one
> survivor), Southern Ps-4, B&O EM-1, SP Cab Forward, and the list can go on
> for the object of one’s desire which no longer exists. But alas poor
> yorrick all that is easier said than done. UP is working one of those
> desires right now - the Big Boy.
> And like all such things, once built or restored, does not ensure a place
> to roam the high iron once more. But to dream, that is what is easiest.
>
> O. Winston Link gave us some great audio to remind us and help those of us
> who don't like to count sheep but steam whistles and wheels a rolling.
> Bob Cohen
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