Here is an odd "excursion era" trivia question:Since the mid '60s how many excursion locomotives equipped with operable boosters have run? I remember that the 614's was used on the the test runs in Hinton. I know that 610, 2839 & 2860 all were booster equipped, but were they operable? When the BL&E 643 was made operable did they restore it's booster too?I thought this questions may start an interesting thread.Regards,Alan S. Levy(Yes, I am a little bored at the moment!)

Alan,Just to add to your list, I know C&O 2716 had her booster operable during her days on the Southern.According to a few different sources I've read, 643 was test fired once or twice but never moved under her own power. The booster was not operable during this time.Hope this helps!

Add 1522 to the list.

In regard to the booster on 1522, we put it to good use, tooDanska

Indeed you guys did. I remember a trip run during the '94 NRHS convention, we had stopped for a runby/pick up and distribution through train of box lunches. The 1522 had not a problem in the world starting that 20 something car train on the slight grade present. Very impressive sight to say the least.

4449 as well.

I don't know if one of the LS&I consolidations that went to Grand Canyon RR ever used her booster or not. Seems to me that it was removed before restoration, but it was equiped before it went west. Interesting subject. Regards, John.

The booster on the 2839 was indeed operable. I am an eyewitness to it being used. I was also on board the SR 2716 when its booster needed to be used.Neat stuff...

The Reading 2100 had a booster eingine also, and I think it was the only T-1 that had one. I know they used it on the Iron Horse Rambles as one one of the return trips when leaving Shamokin , it was used to help the train get out of town on the eastbound grade there. I don't know if it was used after that however.

All Reading T-1s were equiped with boosters. The 2101 put hers to much good use on the Chessie Steam Specials but I think it was inoperable while the engine was on the Freedom Train.The 614 booster failed early in the test runs with the coal trains and as far as I know has not been in service since. The 2100 booster was removed to be installed on 614 but as far as I can tell was scrapped when the Hagerstown roundhouse was torn down. The 2100 does not now have a booster as far as I know. John Bohon

The booster was removed from T&P 610 during the original restoration so it never had a serviceable booster in excursion service. I do not know if the booster still exists.John Bohon