SOU 4501 - "Extra Historic Fabric"? And more..

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

GMR -

Thank heaven someone else commented. I too thought it was Jimmy Stewart, but no one else had said anything, so I thought I was mistaken. Great photo of a great actor and great American next to a great engine.

Les

Howard P. · **Posted:** Sat Apr 13, 2013 9:26 pm

What was the reason for removing the full application of the flexible bolts?

By the way, 630 looked and sounded awesome today on the Spencer-Barber Jct trips. It was like turning back the clock 35+ years!!

Howard P.

gmray · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 9:34 am **Posts:** 382

Simple answer - Maintenance. This was back in the day of flexible cap inspections every two years. Imagine the extra time it took to remove, inspect, and reinstall all those caps. I also wonder what it cost to install of those flexible bolts. Perhaps the K&T got a good deal on them? Or bought as surplus from another railroad?

Thanks for compliment on 630. At least she got to run diesel free today!

jasonsobczynski · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 12:43 am

To further elaborate on Marks response, Purdie and company replaced the inner side sheets. The flex bolts were eliminated for the reasons Mark outlined as this repair created opportunity to do so. Also, even flannery ultimately concluded that such FULL installations were a bit overkill.

Jason

wilkinsd · **Posted:** Sun Apr 14, 2013 10:13 pm

jasonsobczynski wrote:

Also, even flannery ultimately concluded that such FULL installations were a bit overkill.

The Flannery salesman that serviced the K&T must have driven a Lincoln...