SP 2-8-2 in New Orleans

Eric B. NJMT · **Posted:** Sun Oct 09, 2005 9:02 pm

Anyone heard anything on the SP 2-8-2 in New Orleans that was JUST put back into operation not to long ago?

Txhighballer · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:49 am **Posts:** 773

The 745 escaped relatively unscathed from the hurricane. From what I have been told,the engine was in about eight inches of water,and the firemans' cab window was broken. We have some work to do on her before our next adventure,but as soon as people can get into the area with regularity ( as in move back to New Orleans) work will begin to rectify her bearing troubles.

jasonsobczynski · **Posted:** Mon Oct 10, 2005 12:49 am

What bearing troubles wear encountered? If this was dicussed previously you must forgive me as I have been in Alaska for the last 3 months.....a bit out of touch up there.

Fitz · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:46 pm **Posts:** 188

The Sept. R&R mag had an article by Louis R. Saillard about the maiden voyage of the 745. The right connecting rod bushing on the second driver was running hot pretty much throughout the triip. This caused some unscheduled maintenance stops and a few delays, but the loco made the entire trip.

softwerkslex · **Posted:** Mon Oct 10, 2005 9:25 pm

Do you think it is the bearing or do you think the quartering is off on this driver?

jasonsobczynski · **Posted:** Tue Oct 11, 2005 1:51 am

If I do recall correctly, the drivers were quartered.

Txhighballer · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:49 am **Posts:** 773

The drivers were indeed quartered....we have a couple of things we wil be looking at to solve the problem.

gunns · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 8:46 am

According to the article in Trains mag, the problem was a missing spacer that allowed the nut to tighten in use. A new spacer fixed the problem.Gunns

Txhighballer · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:49 am **Posts:** 773

That's not quite true. When my cohorts and I dissambled the rods, we did do that and a couple other things....but she still ran warm heading back into New Orleans. We think we have an idea how to permantly fix it,and we are going to try that as soon as we can marshal the forces to make the repairs. As you can understand,New Orleans is still in a state of flux.We are going to fix her,and we're going to do it as soon as is practicable.

Ed Kelley · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 10:50 pm

I've heard talk of the 1744 (the ex-SP Mogul, which is currently for sale) "escaping" to high ground in Texas before the storm. Any truth to this?

Txhighballer · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:49 am **Posts:** 773

No truth to the rumor at all. She is still sitting in New Orleans.It also looks like she got no water at all near her.