Perhaps this diesel thingy will be used mostly during the winter or times of fire danger.

When I was at the Cog last month, the diesel was used for the 9a, Noon, and 3p trips. Three steamers were used for the remaining hourly trips -- one at 10a, 1p & 4p, and two at 11a & 2p. This was a weekday, so I'd imagine on peak weekends they'd still have at least four steamers running along with the diesel. I know it used it to be commonplace to have 5 or 6 running in the summer, but I'm not sure if this is still the case with the new larger coaches and possibly lower demand.

The brochure mentions that the diesel can substitute for steam on the first trip of the day (along with a quick blurb touting its enviromental friendliness), which is the one they typically offer discounts for anyway. I would assume that those purchasing tickets for any trip run with diesel would be told of such, and given the opportunity to choose a steam trip if desired.

While I was primarily there to see the steam, I did include a few pics of the diesel at: http://www.steamphotos.com/gallery/5279674_SHPwX

I went to the link of the site "view from the top". It is interesting that the member calling himself "senior member" is happy because " I have to guess the deisels will offer much higher level of safety than continuing to run such ancient steam engines. They aren't getting any younger! ". I wonder if he is concerned about that designation being applied to him.

Ray Montgomery

"Senior Member" is simply Vbulletin's standard way of saying you have over "x" number of posts (with "x" being adjustable by the admin). It has nothing to do with the person's age, but rather indicates a forum member who has been around a while.

Most of the Cog locomotives have had new frames, boilers, tenders, wheels, cylinders and so on in the 19980's and 90's and get may other new parts regularly. Just like the miner who had one shovel all his life never mind it had ten replacement handles and 9 blades in that time! Other parts have also been upgraded like the sprag brakes in place of the ratchets. So whats the problem?

Bob,

thanks for the correction. I usually don't get my dander up but I read this one to early in the day.

Thanks

Ray Montgomery

I noticed "senior member" touted his credentials as a mechanical engineer. Any ME worth the paper his diploma is printed on knows about the stringent boiler regulations in this country. I think he was pretty remiss in creating the impression that Mt. Washington's engines are ancient teakettles apt to blow at any second.

Like Nigel says, odds are every piece of these locomotives has been replaced at least once in their lives, and there's no reason to think the new diesel is inherently any safer than the steamers.