Big difference between heating and cutting-

But, you need to learn a bit about using a torch ("hot wrench") to know the different techniques!

What's done was done a very long time ago....debating who and why won't change that. This repair is, assuming the descriptions are accurate, pretty routine as Donald indicates - and since I know NH&I has competent and experienced steam people on board, they must surely be aware of it....so, either we don't actually know what the critical mechanical problem is, or there is no business related motivation to push 1533 ahead of 40.

If Cliffside ran 40 as far into oblivion as they did 110, she surely was due for an overhaul after a very short time running in tourist service. I've yet to find documentation as to the disposition of the Glover 2-6-2T Cliffside bought for their passenger trains. It would be nice if it were another buried hulk that could be recovered.

dave

I don't believe there were any major mechanical issues with 40 when it arrived in 1965. From what I understand, it was mere crew preference to use 1533 over 40 due to its poor riding qualities in comparison to 33.

40 was used occasionally during the first few seasons and on again, off again over the years till 86 with minor "rebuilds"throughout those years. It would have run in 87 if the funds had been there to do some relatively minor repairs. Again - they were broke!

Considering that it was restored to service in under a year for the 1991 reopening speaks of its mechanical condition. I'm sure the SRR staff could tell us more since they were involved in its return to service.

It has seen shop time since, for what I would consider regular maintenance for an engine that has been running 20 plus years of daily service. I'm pretty sure it was only in the early 2000's that they finally decided to run diesels in Winter...

For all intents, it was the least used engine up there when new management took over in 1990 and the best candidate for prolonged service.

As Dave said, their shop is quite capable of rebuilding 33, when the time and money is warranted.

PR

Yes to both, but its Paul, not Dave.