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Until Linn or Kelly answers if they do, I can share with you the impressions I got talking to Linn about his smaller engines for an article I was working on. A few gleanings:1. Very few motive power assignments on SRR are made according to simple taste or personal preference--they are always made according to a long list of criteria that Linn and Kelly keep partly on spreadsheets and partly in their heads. Among the many things they balance are historical costs of operation for each engine, time between 1472 day inspections for all the engines, any unique mechnical issues that any of the locomotives are having that might cause them to require time in the shop, any suspicions that a locomotive might have to be out of service for more extensive than usual work at its next 1472, and so on and so on. Often the reason for running one engine rather than another has to do with the way the whole roster interacts. For example, if they know that one engine is going to have to go down for a long overhaul, they may deliberately run the must recently serviced engine (whichever it is) as little as possible to preserve service life days that aren't needed now, but will be needed when the other engine goes out.So all things are rarely equal and taste rarely comes into it. 2. But if all things are equal, and 89 and 31 are each equally avalable, Linn noted that some of the engine crews slightly dislike operating 31 because she has a reputation as a rough rider. "People [meaning SRR enginemen] trash her because she bucks a lot" are as close as I can recall to what Linn said (he was being a little tongue in cheek).So there's part of an answer. Hopefully Linn or Kelly will have the time to answer your question better than I can.

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Christian:Erik's summary was accurate. Another reason that is shorter to explain is that engine crews really have to hustle to keep the two-train timetable. No. 31 isn't the "hustling type". Her bucking and waddling turn into a distinctive hunt above 20 mph. Which is why the employee's timetable doesn't permit her to be operated above 20 mph. Normal speed for the two-train timetable is 25 mph.

#31 is our best winter locomotive in that you can see over the top of the tender when backing. When possible we save her for this duty. #31 has never had a complete rebuild so we spare her a bit. I will say that she is probably our gamest locomotive. She always does what is asked of her with very few complaints. #1223 always had an attitude - if she didn't get her share of the attention during the winter, she made us pay for it. She was a wonderful engine otherwise.#89 is a swell engine to run and with all the work we have done to her over the years, she needs to see some service.Steve is correct to a point about the two train schedule, however #31 can accelerate a lot quicker than #89 and on a short run like ours, that can make up for the difference in speed.If our business ever picked up in the summer like it was 20 years ago, we would probably have a half hour train of a length that we would prefer to use #31 or either of the larger locomotives.

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Sure sounds to me like the operational limitations of #31 would be typical for any switcher, and has nothing to do with #31's performance in and of itself.Regards,Trevor H.

Which prompts a whimsical recollection: Linn and I were on No. 31 one day 25 years ago during two-train operation. We were both smoking these big Garcia y Vega cigars. Linn was in the throes of the above-mentioned acceleration while I was busy bailing coal. A gust of wind blew about an inch of ash off the cigar and in to my left eye. Linn left the throne, throttle open and all, to up-end his water jug into my eye. 31 continued to hammer up the hill while he administered the medicine, and all ended well.

There are no plans to rebuild #31 at the present time.

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Hi Linn,I remember you talking about the moods of the engines on the paradise and beyond video. Did 7002 have an attitude like 1223, if so, it must be that PRR sisterhood. For livin 2 hours away from the src, I visit 10 times a year and like all four engines alot. You guys are a great rr. Friday 475 had a mechanical problem and it was running an hour later. Thats how dedicated these men are. I will be goin next winter and hope to see 31. thats all folks!!!, john

Hi Linn,I have one question that I have been really wanting to ask you: Why do you put the dining, delux lounge and first class in front westbound?Just askin'-Colin

I must say, WOW! It's actually Linn W. Moedinger. Cool. Anyways, since we are all asking Linn questions, I'd like to ask if 31's tender gives the engineer a good view while backing the train to Paradise, why don't you use her more often. Use her at least like maybe 5 times a summer, and on Labor Day weekend, since it is pracitally the 31's SRC birthday. They should run 31 all weekend with 90 or 89. I also had an idea of something like Canadian National weekend, where all they run is 31(hourly train) and 89(half hourly train), since they both just happen to be from the CN Railroad, an they'd lookalike too(at least in the front). I'm just throwing the CN Weekend thing at you as maybe a way to the 31 out of the shed, and to make some money, since thats what you guy at the SRC try to do(not that I mind). I'd like to here back from you soon. I love your operation!