Ran across this photo of 844 at Sharon Springs, Kansas, apparently being refuled. Is the engine burning diesel fuel now instead of bunker C?

http://www.nwkansas.com/gldwebpages/gld ... de0015.gif

Also this side shot, that I just liked:

http://www.nwkansas.com/gldwebpages/gld ... de0012.gif

Part of a 26-slide series taken by a newspaper photographer from Goodland, Kansas.

Bob,

IIRC they are burning processed used lube oil. Don't know if it is "blended" with anything else or not, but it hardly has any smell to it at all which normally isn't the case when firing with Diesel/ Number 2 fuel oil.

In speaking with Ed Dickens from the UP Steam crew last weekend during their Frontier Days trips, he told me they are using reclaimed crankcase oil in the 844. Lynn Nystrom commented that they had used #2 diesel successfully in the 844, but, that 3985 didn't do well on this fuel.

Well, whatever they're burning this year, they sure did a good job of running a clean stack. Except for the occasional startup puff, this was about as dirty as I saw during the three days 844 was running this year for Frontier Days.

http://www.westernsteamphoto.com/Recent/superelevation-2.htm

It's fun to note the E9s smoking things up more than 844. And oh, was it nice to see the E9s in service on this year's train. Sure, the Centennial diesel is unique, but the E9s are just - right.

Here's another from Saturday evening, just because *I* like it. :-)

http://www.westernsteamphoto.com/Recent/844-pierce-bridge.htm

Scott

That photo was taken just about where I used to see steam trains from the Eicheim Farm, which would be some distance to the right of the photo. Nunn's water tower used to say "Watch Nunn Grow", to which high school kids would perennially add "Smaller". What's amazing is that I could still see an occasional steam train today if I were still there.

I'm not exactly sure where the Eicheim Farm is, but the first shot is about 5 miles north of Nunn (and about 3 miles north of where US 85 crosses the tracks and the rails move off well to the west of the highway). The grade starts to increase about here to climb the Cheyenne Ridge, making it one of the few places along the Greeley sub where you can actually see (and hear!) the locomotive work a bit. The E9s were growling, and 844 was barking - just enough to enjoy.

As for Nunn, the water tower's still there, and Nunn continues to grow in the same direction, generating many of the same jokes. You might enjoy this shot from last year's Frontier Days train - before 3985 had its problems.

http://www.westernsteamphoto.com/Recent/fddouble.htm

Still watching,

Scott

Thanks for the kind words Jeff. Glad you enjoyed them.

Scott