Here's an Interesting Perspective on the Leviathan

derail · **Joined:** Wed Jul 28, 2010 12:45 pm **Posts:** 142

David Notarius wrote:

co614 wrote:

.... Also don't forget the super secret skunk works where they're building a new NYC 6000 class engine!! ...

I thought it was a secret super skunk works and it was a PRR T1! Or ws it the super secret super skunk secret works building a super secret fleet of super heated super secret N&W M class 4-8-0's for super secret short line?

Seriously, it good to see there are still people out there who provide locomotive rebuilding and parts services that are keeping the steam locomotives alive.
Slightly off the topic, I always thought that an industry building new small locomotives, such as 2-6-0's, 4-4-2's, 4-6-0's and 2-8-0's that would be made available for lease or sale to shortlines and tourist operations, would do well. For example , lets say, a new built generic Harriman design, 4-6-0, would be leased to a line for 3 to 5 years, when the flue time is up, it would be exchanged for another steam locomotive, and the 4-6-0, would go back to it's home shop for overhaul, then back into the lease pool. All heavy maintance is done by the locomotive leasing company, like company cars. Has anyone tried this? Have fun and happy holidays – David Notarius, London UK, ex New Hope PA

I think I would stand behind this idea. On the other hand, he question would need to be asked why build a new locomotive when there are other locomotives that are neglected. Would it be that difficult to find a suitable 2-6-0 that could be moved to a railroad that doesn't have steam currently and over haul it elsewhere? The 100 year old Reader #2 now operating in Florida comes to mind.

Scott

Dave · **Posted:** Fri Dec 23, 2011 5:01 pm

It wasn't more than a few years ago that we had a LONG thread about replication, which included the idea of smaller wheel arrangements sharing common components and modern engineering and production techniques, such that a small to medium sized 4-4-0 through 2-8-0 could be made without tooling up for all new parts for every new product.

New hardware can be made with roller bearings instead of friction, modern draft gear, and even MU capability. The stock of old hardware can't be retrofit as easily or as cost effectively and will be irreversably altered in the process.

Before making any more suggestions, go back and reread what has already been talked about. It will save a lot of typing.

dave

jasonsobczynski · **Posted:** Sat Dec 24, 2011 7:52 pm

In all fairness, the only person/shop to actually finish the build of a standard gauge locomotive is Kloke. This is of course meaning nothing since the building of the two NPS engines in utah. I do not include the failed attempt at building a steamer (0-4-0) in the pacific northwest.
Kloke is now building the 4-4-0 for the PA bunch and has taken over the 2-6-0 that was started by strasburg. Regardless of whom may be capable, Kloke is alone in this arena of accomplishment.

Happy Holidays All, Jason

Bobharbison · **Joined:** Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:42 pm **Posts:** 3011

jasonsobczynski wrote:

In all fairness, the only person/shop to actually finish the build of a standard gauge locomotive is Kloke. This is of course meaning nothing since the building of the two NPS engines in utah.

My "list" was very short for the same reason. I was only considering new, from scratch, standard gauge steam. Nothing against park trains, I love 'em, but for this discussion I was thinking about full size steam only.

That said, I thought Strasburg had built something for a private individual, though I can't recall what that may have been. Was it related to the Levithan, a project that got scrapped, still under construction?

jasonsobczynski wrote:

I do not include the failed attempt at building a steamer (0-4-0) in the pacific northwest.

What failed attempt at an 0-4-0 in the Northwest? Guess I missed that one...

Kelly Anderson · **Joined:** Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:52 am **Posts:** 2477

o anderson · **Posted:** Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:41 am

As some discussion in this thread discussed who is, or can, build new steam locomotives, I thought I would add this link. Phil Girdlestone has built some fine locomotives. The market is stronger for smaller things, and as such he has done several 2', 600mm and 500mm locomotives. I would not hesitate to consider his company in producing a standard gauge engine, if it were affordable.
http://www.pgrail.co.za/