restorations, 611 routes, 1218 and more.

[NW Mailing List]

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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