Following some recent progress on the RMLI's project to acquire a steam generator for our RS-3, ex-LIRR 1556 I've had the interest of knowing just how many diesel locomotives still retain their steam heating boilers as of today. I'm aware with the advent of HEP and other modern train heating methods steam heating is just an essence of the past but are any locomotives still retaining serviceable units? Here is a small list to start with, any additions or corrections are welcome.

NH 529 RS-3
PRR 8912 RS-3
B&M 1508 RS-3
NH 2059 FL-9
NYC 4096 E-9
LIRR 467 RS-1
MEC 573 GP-7
Kodak 9 RS-1
LIRR 213 C-420
WATC 59 RS-1
NYC 4083 E-8
CNJ 1554 RS-3
GTW 1951 RS-1
NKP 190 PA-4
WAB 1009 E-8
SOU 6900 E-8
SOU 6901 E-8
A&R 205 GP-7

Ill bite.

Why pray tell, is RMLI putting the steam generator back in the RS3?

"NYC 4096" aka UP 912, two OK-4625 steam gens removed and scrapped about 1986.


Howard P.

Eastman Kodak 9, former G&W 44, nee C&WI 260 has most of a steam generator intact (model 4625, if memory serves). It is neither functional nor complete.

JR

You might also want to add to this thread a 2nd list that shows surviving steam generator cars. One group who comes to mind who still runs actual steam to heat their train is the Monticello RY Museum on their Santa Claus trains. Their steam is provided by an ex-CN power car that still retains an operable steam generator. There may be only 3 or 4 groups left in the country who still use steam heat.

That sounds like a great idea Topfuel. The only thing is that I personally don't know much about existing steam gen cars other than the ones that are at the IRM, Monticello and Steamtown museums alike. If you or any other members know surviving units please feel free to leave a comment and further add to the list.

Cameron

You can add to your list my ex-Southern Pacific GP9, 5623. The generator is 100% intact but kept out of service so we don't have to deal with the FRA regulations. The 5623 will be found on the Niles Canyon Railway in California.

Howard

When WSOR did the guts transplant from the ex-BN/WSMTD E9AM to the ex-ATK, UP E9B boiler car, were the removed steam gens junked?

Cameron,

At IRM, CB&Q 9911-A E5 'Silver Pilot' still has her steam generator, but from what I've been told has never been fired up at IRM. I've never bothered to look, but CNW 1689 RSD-5 might have a steam generator as well. Also, CB&Q 960 'Venus' still has its steam generator. This is the power car for the train of the goddesses set. I think one or two of the MILW F units have steam generators as well, but I'm not sure. They're typically buried back in Yd 11.

CB&Q 9911A's steam gen "should" be functional, it had it's fuel, water, air, and ignition systems all tested about 30 years ago.

CB&Q 960 actually has two steam gens, both non functional, one at the rear of the "engine room", and a 2nd, installed by the CB&Q, in the former baggage room.

CNW GP7 1518, and MILW FP7 104C (and possibly MILW F7B 96B as well) have used Vapor steam gens, but these were installed at IRM, and do not have any plumbing or electrical connections, yet.

CNW 1689, still has the roof fittings, but I haven't had a chance to peek under her hood yet to verify if the steam gen is still there.

Another possibility would be ATSF 543, a FM H12-44TS (Terminal Switcher), but I can neither confirm nor deny the presence of a steam gen under her short hood.

Jeff

ex LIRR RS-1 467 does not have a steam generator in it. The boiler itself is still there, decomposing in place for now, but will eventually be removed. The rest of it is long gone.

No, they were stored in the A unit shell along with the tanks and will eventually be shipped back to IRM.

Jamie

MNCR #750 GP9 x-NYC 5936 had a working steam generator for defrosting the 3rd rail. It has since been retired. Don't know its disposition.
Was used at the Naugatuck to heat xCN coaches one winter.
Very tough to breathe in the cab that day, needed the windows open.

The 4449/SP&S 700 guys run their Santa Claus trains (or whatever they call them) in Portland each December and they heat their cars with steam from the big black (or big black, red, and orange) steam generator on the head end. Not exactly relevant to the initial question of this thread, but still this is another rare example of who is using steam to heat cars in the years 2014/2015.

Speaking of existing steam gennys may I ask if there are any current FRA rulings or regulations regarding the operation of steam heat boilers in locomotives? The boiler planned for the 1556 is planned to be just a static display for now but has the potential to be operated once the alco is mechanically brought back to life. I assume it would need hydrostatic testing let alone new tubing but I could be wrong.

Cameron