Hey All:

I recently ran across some footage of 2716 running in 1996 on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJUJYY1TD1A) and was wondering a bit about the condition of that locomotive.

I was sort of wondering if the firebox problems were ever worked out. I know the main reason she was sidelined on the Southern were firebox related, and that she was leaking water almost as fast as they could put it in the last few trips. When the Fort Wayne folks brought her out in 1996 I don't remember how much work needed to be done on the firebox, obviously something was done or they could not have run (my guess is just better welding technique then early 80s, and also there was a certain 2-6-6-4 I think that then new NS boss Bob Claytor was just looking for an excuse to restore, so I don't know how much the problem was really addressed at Irondale). If I remember correctly the story after that was the FRA would not extend the flue time on her SRR installed flues (even though they had very little service), and the FWRHS did not want to spend any more on leased 2716 when their own 765 needed the money.

So were the flues the only culprit that sidelined after 1996 or were the firebox problems still a factor? Or other mechanical issues? Just curious if anyone knew.

IIRC she still has some firebox issues that need to be addressed, along with some running gear work. I really don't see her running again unless RJ Corman was willing to let the engine pull trips on his shortline.