Yes, it really is the 1361 boiler. Remember the EBT is owned by a very fine family that are in the metals recycling business. Perhaps we should change our line of thinking.





Grins, jumps into Nomex suit and runs for cover!


Just kidding, be patient

Mike Tillger

I'm convinced it's Bush's fault.

I like Eric's idea. We can probably do some switching and find enough room to hide her at 9th St. Now if we can just get that N&W 15000 gal. tender from Steamtown......N&W 505..........:)

there is a different line of work called game programming and there is a certain game out there about to be released, and the game developers always made this absolute decry....WHEN ITS DONE!!!

its taken 12 years for this one game and its about to be out in june.


yes, haha the N&W engine, someone want to swipe a boiler.....-evilgrin-....



IRM has this same issue to deal with their steam department, they have been working on 1630 and last year they finally got the FRA out and do hydro tests and they went pass/fail do this and check back with us again. 1630 may be able to run steam this year, I believe they did a steam up test before the end of winter, but they had to close down and winterize the engine.

It will take time and yes its dissapointment. It takes patience, the IRM steam team is just as enthusiastic to get 1630 going as I am sure the K4 folks want to also if thats their direction.

Been there, done that.

I blame global warming. Well, that and the fact that 1361's been in this mess for years because no one's been able or willing to get the Commonwealth to produce the long-form boiler certificate.





Okay, okay, I'll go stand in the corner now......

Alright, so if 1361's boiler is really at Orbisonia, I certify this as truly weird.

Well, the 1361 isn't apologizing to diesels, trying to convert to wind or solar power (about as realistic as the true reality of that pipe dream), or look upon America as unjust, though its caretakers have had a serious spending problem. I think the long form boiler certificate being made available is the problem...

Here's a plan to pay for completion of the project:

http://youtu.be/J6TcpfBHlbs

Mike

OK, since you went there. My statement is not based upon speculation. I was informed of this by the EBT employee that represented himself as the project manager. He was sent to assist in the de-boilering of the locomotive. The quote as stated to me is, "we are going to be rebuilding the locomotive I am the project manager".
I respect the concept of good intentions, but that only goes so far in reality. The fact is that the knowledge, experience and reference material required to sustain the rebuild of equipment operating such as that at the EBT is not comparable to that of a "mainline" locomotive....even if it is never to see the speeds it once did. And, especially when it is as far dismantled and in need of the level of invasive rebuild as does the 1361.



The EBT does not have anyone experienced enough to take on this project. They do not have anyone that has ever engaged in a project of this magnitude on a locomotive of this size or complexity. I am aware of those whom are capable of this level of work and none are involved.
The difference that should be of concern to everyone regarding this matter (765vs1361) is that the 765 was rebuilt under the guidance of Diversified Rail Services (boiler) and Steam Operations Corporation (running gear), the finished product speaks for itself. Where is/are the individual/individuals that are necessary to successfully effect the repair/rebuild/de-buggering of a machine such as the 1361?
Do you take your G6 to someone for servicing that has never layed hands upon anything more than a crop dusting bi-plane?

I am a realist....I know that is not a popular position to take in this industry. There is a difference in perspective that comes from being a full time "in the trenches" part of this business.

Were the locomotive going to the originally intended destinations or to the "Burg" I would be excited to know that things are again moving in a positive direction.

Sadly, Jason's main point is both true and spot on in the long sad saga of this attempted rebuild.

As has been discussed adnauseum the reason that between 2 and 3 million taxpayer dollars and 15 years effort has produced a basketcase vs. a capable mainline working engine is that those who were in the position of " managers" of the project knew just enough to be disasterously dangerous. Instead of hiring one of the handful of proven professionals to do the job and then get out of the way they chose to micro-manage it from Altoona and the results speak for themselves. They're gone now but their legacy isn't.

I truly hope we're not about to witness poor old 1361 going from the frying pan into the fire???

Time will tell.

Ross Rowland

This topic needs a break right now.