Here is some amplifying information regarding Polson #2.

As mentioned the 1472 SDI was completed in 2023. As noted leaking tubes were found after the engine was operated in June. After pulling the tubes with the intention of replacing them it was found that many of the tubes were in a condition that would cause more tubes to leak at any time. This prompted the decision to perform the 1472 SDI with the goal of having the locomotive back in service for the Holiday Express trains in December. The inspection was conducted primarily by the Albany and Eastern Railroad's (AERC) steam team with help form local contractors and the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation's (ORHF) volunteers.

The AERC crew worked 40+ hour work weeks for approximately 4 months. Contractors were brought in to remove and roll the tubes. The ORHF volunteers were a great help. When it came time to cut and install the boiler tubes large crews were made available and the 297 tubes were installed in less than a week. Following the hydro, again with ORHF help, the boiler was lagged and jacketed in another week.

One of the reasons that the inspection was able to be done so quickly was that the boiler had received a large amount of boiler work during its previous 1472 SDI and had a small amount of service time in 15 years.

During operation of the Holiday Express Trains in December 2023 the #2 ran close to 100 trips between ORHF and Oaks Park along the Willamette River. During these runs several mechanical problems were noted. In January the locomotive was inspected and among the issues found was scoring of the right side cylinder. Upon removal of the piston is was found to have a piece missing from the back side and will likely need to be replaced.

The locomotive is currently out of service pending mechanical repairs. The scope of work and schedule is currently being worked out. It is hoped to have the locomotive repaired and back in service by the summer operating season.

On another note Mt Emily Lumber Co. #1 has arrived at ORHF on a flat car. The locomotive was loaded on the flat car in Prineville, OR in December and waited for shipping to be worked out with BNSF. Plans are being made to return the shay to operation. In theory the Mt Emily shay should only need a 1472 SDI. It was run less than 100 days on its last 1472. It is expected that when the shay is operational the Polson 2 will be moved south to Lebanon to join Santa Maria Valley 205 running excursion, and possibly freight.

Finally, there have been discussion involving Rayonier / Polson Logging Co. #3, a small shay, which is privately owned and stored at the AERC in Lebanon. This little 24 ton 2 truck shay may have good news in the near future.

Grand Canyon Railway No. 4960 is sort of returning, it had work done in the off-season: https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews ... am-season/

Per Railfan & Railroad Mag: "4-4-0 98 is nearing the end of its federally mandated 1472-day inspection. According to railroad Master Mechanic Josh Scott, the classic American will be ready to go later this operating season. Since the locomotive is in the shop, it has been decided to correct issues with the cylinders; a cylinder-boring machine has been used, and when finished the cylinders will be as they were when the locomotive left the American Locomotive Company plant in January 1909. Once complete, look for a new appearance on 98, hearkening back to its days on Mississippi Central. Special events, including for photography, will be planned once the 98 is back in service. "

Does anyone know why the stoker engine rebuild hasn't been updated in two years, at a point where Mr. Rucker was trying to machine spray weld buildup? Distractions obviously come up, but I wonder if he has hit a dead end beyond his skill level: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pid7sG ... o&index=18

The cab went back on to Arcade & Attica 18 last Friday, 29-March.

Well, maybe a little larger......

Alaska Railroad 557 is nearing completion, only needing boiler lagging installation, jacket, the rods, & PTC

https://railfan.com/alaska-railroad-2-8 ... e-stretch/

So, there are some new projects to add on the list:

- Duluth & Northeastern 2-8-0 #27 (Duluth Missabe & Iron Range C-3 class #348) has been acquired by Wisconsin Great Northern and, after being relocated, will be evaluated for operational restoration. Here's hoping we get to see a sister to D&NE #28 (DM&IR #332) running again in the near future.

- Bridgton & Saco River 7 class 2-4-4T #8 (after a very recent announcement) will be restored back to operation. Well done, Maine Narrow Gauge & Maine Locomotive & Machine Works! It'll be so wonderful to see both 2' gauge 2-4-4Ts running together again.

- Monson Railroad 0-4-4T #4 (after a very recent announcement) will be restored back to operation. Well done, Maine Narrow Gauge & Maine Locomotive & Machine Works! It'll be so wonderful to see both 2' gauge Vulcan 0-4-4Ts running again.


I am still curious if anyone knows anything new about these locomotives:

- Owen-Oregon Lumber Company (California Western) 3 class 2-8-2 #45
- Denver & Rio Grande C-16 class 2-8-0 #223 [I heard the locomotive was turned over to the City of Odgen, UT in October 2023, but I haven't heard anything about it since.]
- Great Western 75 class 2-8-0 #75
- Union Pacific C-2 class 2-8-0 #618
- Southern Pacific (Fort Worth & Western) DC/T-1/T-25 class 4-6-0 #2248

Some nice updates on FB from Strasburg on Strasburg 90 and Southern 722. 722 in particular is a lot further along than I expected.

And she reportedly passed her first hydrostatic test with the FRA inspectors present last week.

Another steam locomotive has now joined the ever-expanding group of steam locomotives returning to service.

- Port of Gray's Harbor (Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad) [Carlton & Coast] 2-8-2 #5 is currently being restored to operation while funds are being raised to continue the restoration. Here's hoping it isn't very long before we see one of the largest H.K. Porter-built steam locomotives running the rails again. Good luck, MRSR! https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-restore ... ve-service

It's steam, Jim, but not as we know it......
https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2024/06/cl ... trial.html
It's well after 1st April and the diesel in question is being rebuilt to be powered by steam!

Be interesting to see just how 'modular' the power generation is, with 20 "boilers" and 4 turbines. Perhaps someone can look over the Steamology IP and see what degree of superheat is to be maintained at the turbine inlet.

As with the Oxford Catalysts steam cycle from a couple of decades ago, it's quite possible that additional 'feedwater' can be injected into the H2-)2 combustion reaction products to add effective mass flow at a given steam quality. (Thus making ironically relevant the comment about whether this 'will bring back water cranes'!)

Wonder where the condenser for the turbines will be....

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