Could this REALLY be made usable here?

Could knuckle couplers be installed on something built for European buffers?

http://www.ozarkmountainrailcar.com/det ... ar-REDUCED

This is an amazing locomotive.

It was built and designed for service in the USA or in Europe. As such, it has bolt on attachments for couplers. The couplers can be purchased today as well as the bolt on pocket adapters.

It is a left hand locomotive, meaning that the engineer sits on the what would be our Fireman's side. However, the superheater header has a left or right hand packing box so the throttle can be mounted on either side. In other words, it can be easily converted to right hand running.

In terms of modern steam advances, this locomotive has everything! What I found to be an outstanding feature is that it has all white metal bearings and full lubrication system!

This would be a perfect unit for the Grand Canyon. Big drivers, strong, advanced.....just a great, great unit. Of all of the locomotives I have operated in the world, the 568 ranks very high on my list.


Kindly,

JohnE.

Several pictures and highlights of our involvement with the locomotive from late 2007 to 2012 can be found here on our website:

http://wrrc.us/about/highlighted-projects/sncf-141-r-568/

Additionally, we made a video of the locomotive in operation when it was dead-headed to a shop for installation of SBB-required cab-signaling equipment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmVfycDRICw

Many other videos of its operations in recent years through Switzerland can be found by searching YouTube.

Enjoy!

Alright, me being the cynic that I am, I do have to point this out; getting that Mike over to North America requires crossing a few mountains, and a few thousand miles of ocean. So, considering Scotty has yet to fix the Enterprise transporters, you'll need a boat. Considering that DB Schenker is one of the larger European logistics firms, it would be smart to work through them to get the 568 stateside once more. So, running off of some wild guesses, and the fact that DB Schenker is a business, you'd assume they want to make a profit. So, trailers, boat, fuel surcharges, customs surcharges, labor, loading (considering 568 can't easily fit in a container) are all going to factor in. Now carry the two, divide by pi, and discuss with Spock... I'd wager that just the transport would easily fall in the $6 million range. Now, converting that engine to meet American standards is going to cost money as well. American braking systems, conversion to right-hand drive, 1472-inspection, etc. John would be able to give a better estimate, but counting in the purchase price, and the transportation, you could be looking at an initial investment of over $7 million... In other words, either be rich, have a few good donors or win the lottery.

Good point, Dylan.
"It's steam, Jim, but not as we know it..."

Perhaps for the purposes of factuality, somebody could share the cost of shipping the EISENHOWER to and back from the UK. I think for 6 million you could build a couple replicas.

dave

It was recently posted on another forum that the trans-Atlantic shipping and loading/ unloading of the two A4s was donated.

I can't confirm whether this is correct, perhaps someone close to the situation can.

Steve Hunter

Mr. Sulu, take us to...steam factor 7.

Notice Ozark included a link to the sale of a "Swiss" 6 car passenger consist, which according to the actual sale page is actually Swedish!

http://www.ozarkmountainrailcar.com/detail.asp?id=1487&n=Excursion-Train-Set-SELLER-FINANCE

Steam, the final frontier.

Save the cost of moving the engineer's controls,
run it on the former Chicago & North Western Rwy.

This undoubtedly is the trainset currently/formerly located at the Belfast & Moosehead in Maine.

I can tell you that if the costs associated with shipping a standard-gauge loco were really in the $6 million dollar range, then GE and EMD wouldn't have sold hundreds of main line locomotives to the UK, China, Brazil, and elsewhere for $2-3 million or so each. Locomotives are now typically handled in "RORO" shipping (roll-on, roll-off).

Now, if you meant loco price plus transport plus conversion costs..... maybe....

Shipping is priced per ton (tonne) and amount of cubic space used. Containers are easy.....they are standard cubic sizes and have max weight limits.

Shipping locomotives by sea is no different with charges being the same and sometimes less.

A container from New York to England......plus or minus.....$25,000.00

If the cost of sea shipment of the 141R 568 cost more than $75,000.00 I would be surprised. At most no more than $100,000.00 and that was a big payday for the shipper!

Kindly,

JohnE.

Looking up the specs of the 141R, she might be a little light for Grand Canyon service...only 45,000 pounds of tractive effort. Nice looking power, with air brakes. Definitely could be useable on flatter territory.

"Alright, me being the cynic that I am, I do have to point this out; getting that Mike over to North America requires crossing a few mountains, and a few thousand miles of ocean."

Did you actually NOT read the subject?

"Ignoring Asking Price, Conversion Costs and Location"

141Rs are damn fine locomotives based on all I have read....prominently the Serge Vitry articles in the old pulp Railroad Magazines talking about his working on them in France, and some conversations with American military railroaders who worked on them overseas. If it is in like new condition, the price may not be too out of line with reality compared to the cost of finding a similar sized hulk and rebuilding it to similar condition. You just have to need to have a locomotive that size in very good condition to make a lot of revenue in return.

In captive service, the left hand drive probably isn't too important. I'd find it harder to aim the scoop with my left hand though while leaning on the right side cab wall instead of the other way around.

dave