Hello, watching one video on YouTube of a steam trip last week led me to this video of the Vancouver Expo86, and its parade of steam locomotives. There were some old favorites and some steamers I have never seen before in operation. Check out the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akxg38Sa ... BC623133DB

It led me to wonder, of the dozen or so locomotives depicted here from 26 years ago, are any still in operation? It shows how temporary any of the steam operations could be due to numerous factors, let alone the condition of the actual locomotives.

I bring this up because we often get caught up on these threads of what is or isn't happening at any one museum, railroad, club or another. But in the great scheme of things, the fact that any steam is still running in the 21st Century is amazing. My hat is off to each of you who have worked wonders, today or in the past.

Well, Mount Rainier Scenic still runs Heisler #91, so at least one still operates.

It would be interesting to see how many still run. There were over 20 locomotive under steam for the event, and one or two on static display. Most, but not all if I recall correctly, participated in the Grand Parade. It was amazing to see. When we moved the trains back and forth the route was lined with people. It felt like royalty was visiting.

It was, of course, the largest collection of engines under steam in one location that I've ever seen. That was probably true for nearly everyone there. I really doubt I'll see anything like it ever again. Multiple engines in steam? Sure, but not 20+ at once!

Well I'll list what I know.
The Rocket replica is still operational.
The Best Friend of Charlestown is still operational and is in South Carolina.
The Inyo 4-4-0 is still operational at the Nevada State Railroad Museum is Carson City.
The 4-4-0 after the Inyo is Prairie Dog Central #3, still operational in Canada.
Great Western 2-8-0 #51 is still operational and stored in Hudson Colorado.
The Alberni Pacific 2 truck shay is out of service in Canada.
Macmillan Bloedel #1077 the 2-6-2 is still operational on Vancouver Island in Canada I think.
As stated Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad's Heisler #91 is still operational but is due for some repairs.
I skipped a bunch but with some research you could certainly figure out the rest of them and if they still operate. They are all still around but about 80-85% of them are still operational.
Hope this helps!

When I was in Charleston, SC 3 years ago, they said the Best Friend was in the Norfolk Southern HQ in Atlanta. This would tell me she is not running. Now if we use the term "operational" to mean it has run in the past 20 years, then I will grant you that.

The Royal Hudson is operational

there is a pretty good number of steam operating at museums, parks (Cedar Point, Dollywood etc)

there isnt that many mainline steam operations but several operational with some in restorational phases or plans to...

all I can say...keep it goin there buds

One locomotive present but not allowed to run was Quincy #2. It is running now in Niles Canyon. Canadian officials refused to accept the State of California boiler inspection for it and Pickering #12. It was a great disappointment for the crew that worked so hard to prepare both locomotives for the event, loaded them out at Point Molate and moved them by flatcar to Vancouver.

Mike, could you explain why exactly Canada officials wouldn't let #2 and #12 run because of the california insepction? I thought I remember hearing #12 had an issue and wasn't able to run later in the event anyways.

When was the last time there was a mass team up like this? Was it the last Railfair in Sacramento? I don't recall there being a event anywhere near this scale in recent years in North America...

Best Friends of Charleston discussed here:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10893&p=50665&hilit=+best+friend+of+charleston+#p50665

Wesley

Steam Expo was claimed to be the largest gathering of Steam Locomotives since the 1948 Chicago Rail Fair. (Possibly "in North America" should be added to that claim, as they do some impressive things in Europe.)

Over 20 engines were under steam. As far as I know, none of the Railfairs had that many in steam, and they would be the closest challengers that I can think of.

Next runner up would likely be the Train Festival events.

Regarding the denial of the Canadian inspector to accept the California Certificate-if I remember correctly (and I may not), the California Inspection did not require removal of jacket and lagging. Both locomotives were steamed for inspection but the inspector denied permission to operate. I believe we were offered an opportunity for STATIC steaming at a reduced pressure. Apparently the leaks in the firebox of the CNR 6069 were of no concern. Second biggest steam disappointment in my life to the scapping of CB&Q 5632.