From the TRAINS Newswire: Last run for ex-SP Pacifics until repairs completed Two ex-Southern Pacific P-8 Pacifics doubleheaded over the weekend at the Golden Gate Railroad Museum’s sprawling Hunters Point Yard as the Federal Railroad Administration boiler permits on both locomotives expired. The no. 2467 is owned by the Pacific Locomotive Association and no. 2472 is owned by the museum. The 1921 Baldwins face costly FRA-mandated boiler repair and inspections estimated to cost around $150,000 that, when completed, will give the engines a 15-year ticket to operate. In addition to the boiler work, the 2467 sustained a burned journal on the no. 3 axle during a move over the Union Pacific to the Sierra Railroad in September 2001. Repair work on both engines will be done at the Hunters Point facility. A timeframe for when the locomotives might return to service was not immediately available. (Personal note: If you think that is expensive, I've been told by folks at the Nevada Northern Museum in Ely, NV that their 2-8-0 number 40 needs $500,000 in repairs (mostly to the boiler) to get that same 15-year operating ticket. It ain't cheap to keep steam engines in running order anymore!)
How well I know that Bob. We are in the middle of dismantling our steamer for the same rebuild. It's a real challange when you don't have the facilities to conduct such a massive, heavy undertaking. We are looking for someone who can do the calculations for boiler operation. Do you know of any? Or do you have a name/phone number of someone who is working on the UP locos?
Bill, The best steam man I even new was Pete Rogers. I am sure he has past, as I have not see or heard about him in over 20 years. However the group that saved the 2467 from the park in Oakland can do wonderful things with little money. I was around the 2467 when the rescue was first talked about and I new that if anybody could do it the group at PLA could. I would contact PLA first if you need help with your steamer. If they don't have someone on staff that knows the answer they can probally direct you to someone who has the answers to the questions you have. As for time of repair the get the 2467 up and running again, I expect it will be very short. There has been a lot of blood,sweet and tears during the rebuild of that wonderful P-8, I don't ecpect they will let it sit to long. Now that I know you are in Yreka, I will wave on my way by as we drive to Fresno to see our kids. We like to stay in Yreka, as it is a mid point between our home in Olympia and our kids in Fresno. take care, Shannon WP LIVES
Shannon .. I will probably look stupid for saying this .. but I do not know what PLA stands for And, if you have time, stop by the YWRR and take a look around. I'd be happy to take you into the engine house and let you take a good look at 'ol Pancho
Bill. About 3 or 4 years ago on our way to Washington, the wife and I stopped at the depot there in Yreka. We paid to get into the warehouse to see the HO scale layout. While there, I bought a N scale Yreka Western box car. A lady was running the gift shop and she was very nice.
She charged you to go into the warehouse to see the club's layout??? I have never heard of such a thing! That would have been Julie. She is no longer with the railroad. She retired a year ago last November and then died last October. My fiancee' has Julie's old job now and really enjoys riding the train.
Bill, Sorry, I have been around it for so long I never think to spell the name out. Its Pacific Locomotive Assn. There is a web sight but I do not no the address. Go into Railserve.com and look for ther web address under the tourist RR heading. Thanks for the invite, my wife and I would love the tour. Last time we were buy the place was locked up but we did roam around and look in the windows. Shannon WP LIVES
