Looking for the low down on UP GTEL Survivors?

D,Ritter · **Joined:** Thu Jun 11, 2015 6:17 pm **Posts:** 5

At the risk of starting a flame war, I'm more concerned about how much longer we will have operating steam programs. At some point someone in the goverment will suggest a "carbon tax" for using " EVIL COAL " or " EVIL OIL ". The cost of those permits will cause small groups to take a long, hard look at continuing on. So, yes it is nice to talk about rebuilding turbine, but I see larger problems down the road. I'm surprised that California hasn't already banned steam operations.

Dave

70000 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 02, 2015 4:35 am

BigBoy 4023 wrote:

I think the closest I could get to having a working UP GTEL might to be pour money into something like a 15" or even a 19" Gauge working model of such a mammoth locomotive.

Robert

Someone has already made a working small scale version of the British GT3 4-6-0 prototype................

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e_cvscqGHI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjkcTsLdw6M

BigBoy 4023 · **Joined:** Tue Dec 11, 2012 1:40 am **Posts:** 489

I am aware of the model GT3. I think it is a very impressive piece of engineering.

I do agree about the future of any older machinery and the issues with the EPA.

Robert

Dave · **Posted:** Wed Dec 02, 2015 1:42 pm

"Evil" is matter of personal bias, and perspective. Reality is we need to do our part like all businesses to demonstrate we are working to keep our operations as compliant with all the regulatory frameworks in which we work. We don't have to like it, we just have to do it, since choosing otherwise is choosing to be shut down. I don't need to know that you don't like it - I would like to know how you intend to comply with it, even though it hasn't been a problem yet and you probably don't manage a steam operation yourself anyhow.

Realistically, there's much we can do to make our antique machinery less dirty - if that becomes a requirement. Sulzer and Nigel Day did a lot of work which is readily available to read about in reducing the consumption of fuel and the emissions of combustion. So have Porta, Waller, McMahon and others. Even Disney railroads have done a lot of voluntary reduction of their footprints, and much about that is in the new edition of the Disney railroad book which will be released soon. If ignorance is your problem, you can start to solve it using these resources.

It's the 21st century whether we are comfortable in it or not. Learn to live in your lifetime.