I just read on Altamont Press that the SLTSA or whatever the initials of the volunteer group that runs the 1522 has decided to "drop the fires" for the last time, citing the high cost of insurance mainly. This is being echoed by other steam operators around the country. Darn, the 1522 is one of the few operating mainline steamers I have not caught up with in person. I understand she is one of the best for "stack talk." Disappointed.
It is sad to hear that these engines are having the fires pulled.The insurance rates go up becaue people want something for nothing. In other words greed. About the stack talk.We were waiting at Greensburg,In.for our connection 2nd 90.Everything was late for some reason.The yardmaster said 1st.90 was about 5 miles west and had them running.I stepped outside the shanty and hear 1st.90 coming.The coal dock was on a curve and the speed was 40 mph or within 10 mph.A couple of mies west of town the track started down hill and then about 3/4 mile west of the coal dock it started uphill again.As he started down grade you could here the engineer ease off the throttle and that L-2 was talking. Just before he started uphill you heard the throttle come back out and then as he got a little more on the up grade he started cranking that old girl down in the corner a little more.This engineer was the master and the engine was talking like music in your ears. As they came under the coal dock at close to 50mph the engineer the was leaning from the cab whipping the cab with his hat like a jockey.He knew that I knew he had it right and was the master.That was 50 years ago and is just as clear as if it were today. LEW
I hate to hear that- not just because 1522 is my favorite locomotive, and I'm naturally biased towards things Frisco, but that other operators may face impossibly high liability rates. The only option available may be making a deal with the devil, and getting some sort of corporate or civil backing. Has there been any word of a grass-roots campaign to keep the fires lit?
Unfortuantely the high cost of insurance premiums are forcingmany forms of leisure to close not too mention medical services. Here in Australia the government has been forced to underwrite medical insurance. My son college had to cancel there annual rodeo because of Insurance premiums
LEW, thanks for that description of another great 4-8-2 in action. I really enjoy your facts and stories about my favorite railroad. Wish I was older back in steam days and carried more memories with me.
