> Difference: parts designed to be
> interchangeable vs. refabricating major
> structure. Saving the power assembly sleeves
> the came with the engine from the last time
> it was shopped tells you nothing you didn't
> already know about a 567--they're all the
> same power assembly sleeves; changing the
> boiler on a steam engine removes all trace
> of the original boiler fabrication
> techniques.

> Sandy, you know the difference, you're just
> pullin my leg here!!!

Let's see........ according to the expert testimony elsewhere around this website, everything from tiny lubricator vessels to complete boilers were designed to be interchanged on steamers, and were--wheels, axles, flues, gauges, driver tires, rods........

The only--repeat, ONLY--difference between changing out a power assembly or traction motor on an "original" EMD and, say, casting a new piston or turning a new flue sheet on a "one of a kind" steamer is that EMD is still around and you might be able to order some of the OEM parts from EMD still. If I can order new replacement steam whistles from Lunkenheimer, or new steam gauges from Crosby, am I okay, then? Am I allowed to order replacement "hot dog" builder's plates from EMD, if they're available (I hear they are, IF you have the proper ownership documentation--apparently very difficult)? Or am I only allowed original 1950 plates?

It's a double standard, plain and simple. If you're going to idolize, worship, and lament "original" chalk marks from Altoona personnel in "7002", then I say the precise same standard should be applied to the torque settings, adaptations, and rack settings applied by shop forces in San Bernandino, Paducah, and Cumberland. Indeed, shouldn't you be using the exact same tools and equipment--like we do with the Deltics in Britain (three shipping containers and two carriages full of tools purchased or salvaged from Doncaster, including the unique engine lifting beam!)?


lner4472@bcpl.net