While the BNSF has been very kind to let some steam locomotives operate over thier lines, we have to remember that the BN at one time did not allow any steam to as much turn a wheel on thier tracks. The EXPO 86 Worlds Fair in BC would've had the 4449 and the 844(4) but the BN had a no steam policy at the time.

It goes to show, things can change. Sometimes for the best, sometimes not.

Smokebox

> I'm sure everyone is aware of this, but the
> thread so far doesn't recognize it. That is,
> the fact that the BNSF has for years allowed
> private steam to operate on their railroad
> in a very open manner. I believe this is
> still true to this day. The only thing I'm
> aware of stopping the big steam from
> operating much, if at all, on the BNSF this
> year is the insurance, not railroad mood
> changes.
> Having said that, I also think that even if
> the BNSF were to publicly state right now
> that they will no longer allow steam to
> operate on their property they still deserve
> a great deal of gratitude from all who have
> appreciated the steam that has run on their
> railroad. It's been a wonderful time, and we
> all know it. I only hope it will continue in
> the future.
> Mark D.


"orhf dot org"

> While the BNSF has been very kind to let
> some steam locomotives operate over thier
> lines, we have to remember that the BN at
> one time did not allow any steam to as much
> turn a wheel on thier tracks. The EXPO 86
> Worlds Fair in BC would've had the 4449 and
> the 844(4) but the BN had a no steam policy
> at the time.

> It goes to show, things can change.
> Sometimes for the best, sometimes not.

> Smokebox

Very good point.
I remember that 86 situation. In 91 there was talk of something coming down from Canada, but that never materialized either.

CSX was allowing steam in the east and even had their own program in 1977-1978(2101), and 1980-81(614),and beyond that allowed 765 to romp on the New River and a few other trips in the fall.

Back in those days, the west was steam-starved with only a few outings for the UP and maybe the 4449 in later years. Now the little steam in the west is Valhalla compared to back east. This is why the Ohio Central loss was a big blow. They have all the ingrediants, and not a volunteer outfit, yet the bottom line dollars for insurance is the killer, which is effecting all excursion operators, not just steam.

My philosphy is take nothing for granted. If you want to ride or see something don't put it off...do it now, as it might not be there when YOU are ready to go. At least the western engines are not in the same boat as N&W 1218 is today.
Greg Scholl

Videos
sales@gregschollvideo.com

In this case a special thank you to all the good folks of the UP steam department. Thank you very much. Keep up the good work. And to give a nod to Henry Ford, you can paint your engine any color you want, as long as it's black.

Sincerely,
David Ackerman

david_ackerman@yahoo.com

you can paint your
> engine any color you want, as long as it's
> black.

Ohh, I thought the Greyhound look was OK on 633--or Daylight on 4449--doesn't alwys HAVE to be black...


eledbetter@rypn.org

I don't think we have to worry about the appearance of UP engines. Bucking the usual trend of "hot rod" steam operators (engines simply cannot run without ditch lights, 26L brake system, phony road names, a big red racing stripe and a giant, oversize tender), UP steam has consistently become more authentic in appearance. They only seem to make changes when absolutely necessary to run, on one of the busiest main lines in the country.

ryarger@rypn.org

No it doesn't have to be black, but I thought it sounded funny. I did like the balck warbaby look on 4449 while she sported it though. On the other hand the only way I've ever seen her in person was red white and blue (1976) so I'll take that too. Just thought Mr. Ford's sentiment was amusing.

Sincerely,
David Ackerman

david_ackerman@yahoo.com