Even if it's optimistic, it's not impossible... Granted that's assuming that US Sugar throws the cubic dollars at 148 to get her running right as quickly as possible, but if their public statements to that effect are taken seriously I'd wager they've taken a "damn the expense" mentality. But what do I know? I'm only some dude posting on a discussion board.

Hi,



This reminds me of the 1960 Space Race by JFK. We did get as man on the moon and return him safely to Earth in less than a decade.

We may have stumbled on any follow up but it was done.

Southern Railway's Steam Program in the 1960s and now US Sugar's current move show things can get done if the economic readon does not make sense.

WAY TO GO.

Doug vV

US Sugar decided that for them it did make sense, so they are pursuing it. I'm very happy about it. Those light pacifics are among the best proportioned steam locomotives in this country and it will be very good to see one back in service.

US Sugar is at an advantage in terms of the skilled labor already on hand. Keep in mind they were using a steam powered wrecking crane up until about 10 years ago. Due to the nature of the machinery used at the mill they have boilermakers, pipe-fitters, machinists, and other necessary personnel working there already. While many other railroads may have a machinist on property, certified boiler men are not part of the normal workforce. In Clewiston though, these people may have very little to do for long periods of time but might be needed for immediate use. This may be a way for the company to get their "money's worth" out of these guys when the demand at the mill is low. In any case, having these people on hand will certainly cut down on the expenses of contractors and roaming appliance & tool thief/ guru types.

Jim -

I wonder if U.S. Sugar has given any thought to allowing volunteers to aid in the restoration? A "Friends of the 148" or similar named group, such as has helped in other restoration or maintenance effots? Perhaps too early yet?


Les

My impression from reading the US Sugar comments on FEC 148's Facebook page is "WE are going to do this OURSELVES in house with paid professional tradesman". Kind of like UP and their Big Boy restoration. If they really want it done fast, involving volunteers would slow down the effort. Once it's operational, maybe a volunteer group could help with any public excursions. My late father had a sign on the wall of his auto repair garage. You can tell from the rates how old it was. It read something like this. "Hourly labor rate $20, if you watch $25, if you help $30".

One of the pictures on the facebook page points out the lead truck has "paper wheels", wheels with paper insert vibration absorbers. What are the chances these wheels are kept in the overhaul?

Tom Snyder speaking with then-FEC 148 owner Sam Freeman from the 12-25-75 "Tomorrow Show". Some general railroad talk for the mainstream audience and some specific information about 148.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcq3m-Hah54

Here is the rest of the program. Some beautiful aerial photography of the locomotive running the Central Railroad of New Jersey mainline route of the Blue Comet. Unfortunately, this is a very poor quality copy. It would be great if the US Sugar PR people could work with NBC to get the original footage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEptNZ939g8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VyoD-Do3Xs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSjtkaMET5E

What makes you think they are paper wheels? I see spokes; no place for the paper. Cast spoked wheel centers with separate bolt-on retainer rings for the steel tires weren't all that uncommon; no reason they can't keep them unless the centers have cracks.

She went through Folkston GA yesterday, so within the next few days she should be back on her home rails.

This was a great day I will never forget, but the actual route only covered a small portion of that used by The Blue Comet (which, of course, hardly used the CNJ mainline at all).

If I remember correctly, the trip ran Raritan - E'port - Bay Head Jct and back. Of that route, only the E'port-Red Bank portion was actually the route of The Blue Comet.

The trip's routing had more in common with The Mermaid than The Blue Comet.

Rob

Any updates on FEC 148's location? The latest Facebook post I can find is Dec 1 and it had just entered Florida. It shoud be close to Clewiston by now.

I understand that it was around Auburndale earlier this week.

I was hoping for a little more activity here as it got closer.

Video reports on that favorite "whipping boy" of several here, Facebook, indicate that 148 was pulled into Clewiston, Fla. by one of US Sugar's own locos about an hour ago.

https://www.facebook.com/EngineNo148/

This locomotive was never a favorite of mine, mostly as I never saw her run or took a ride behind her. But I am still in awe of the good fortune bestowed upon her in this wonderful change of events in the locomotives history and future. Tip of the hat to US Sugar for their choices. Wish my support meant something to them in the form of business, but regardless thank you to all involved and healthy congratulations on this project.

Regards, John.