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| 29 June 1999 UK David Randles' "UK Main Line Steam" page Flying Scotsman Railways | (ex-LNER 4-6-2 4472) After a three-year, GBP 750,000 (US$ 1.2 Million) overhaul, ex-LNER A3 Pacific 4472 "Flying Scotsman" completed a successful test run in the early hours of Tuesday 22 June, when it ran from Southall (west London on the Great Western main line) to Didcot and return. This was its first main line outing since completion of the major overhaul at the Southall Depot. The following evening (23 June), and again early the following morning (24 June), 4472 hauled an 11 coach test train from Southall to Westbury and return. There was a some possibility that 4472 would run a test train on the schedule of the cancelled Paddington-Birmingham railtour on Sat 26 June. No 4472's first rail tour is scheduled for Sunday, 4 July from King's Cross station in London (long a stomping ground for "Scotsman") to York, via the former-LNER East Coast Main Line. | |
| 28 June 1999 USA Union Pacific Railroad | (UP 4-8-4 844, 4-6-6-4 3985) From UP's John Bromley comes the following statement: "A tube failed yesterday [Thursday, 24 June 1999] in 844's boiler while on display at Railfair. The tube failure caused the loss of steam in the engine and damaged other tubes as well. There is too much damage to repair at the fair and the 844 will be towed dead in consist with the returning 3985 steam train on the same schedule/route as previously planned. The 844's pistons, perhaps rods will have to be removed to facilitate the trip. Parts of the failed tube will be sent to our lab for analysis. There were NO injuries involved in the tube failure yesterday." Saturday, 26 June Update: "The decision was made early this morning not to run Challenger 3985 on today's Feather River excursion. A diesel will be used on the train to fulfill our excursion obligation. Steve Lee advises that until it is learned what happened on the tube failure on 844 Thursday, the Challenger will not be operated. BOTH engines will be towed dead back to Cheyenne, leaving Sacramento on Monday morning. Both engines will be thoroughly inspected at the Cheyenne shop and following discovery of exactly what happened on 844, appropriate steps can be taken. Steve regrets that many people will be disappointed, but as always safety is number one and he feels it wouldn't be prudent to run 3985 until he knows what happened and what can be done to prevent such future failures." - John Bromley, Union Pacific Director - Public Affairs (Thanks to Altamont Press) Monday, 28 June Update: "The 3985 has been inspected and approved for running. It will be under low steam for the return trip, providing lubrication and allowing the whistle to be used. A diesel will accompany the trip all the way back to Cheyenne. The 844 will be towed dead in consist. It is expected the 3985 will be available to the pull the Denver Post Special July 23 and the Greeley Special July 26 as planned. " - John Bromley, Union Pacific Director - Public Affairs | |
| 26 June 1999 USA Heber Valley Durango & Silverton Cumbres & Toltec | (Steam Powered Freight Trains) Now HERE's something I'd like to see a lot more of. The Heber Valley, the Durango & Silverton, and the Cumbres & Toltec are jointly offering photo specials with freight consists, scheduled to allow a photographer to get all three railroads in one trip. Each day's excursion is $75, with a day's travel time allowed from Heber City UT to Durango, CO. (And with Trains Unlimited operating a two-day freight on the C&TS immediately afterward at $289, one can shoot FIVE DAYS of steam-powered freights for $514.) Great idea, and something other lines could (and should) try. | |
| 21 June USA SLSTA Web Site | (ex-SLSF 4-8-2 1522) After a 23-hour trip from St. Louis, with frequent stops to nurse warm bearings, 1522 has arrived in Galesburg, IL. (1522 was involved in a minor derailment in the BNSF yard in North St. Louis, MO, on 17 June. Hulcher Rerailing Services was called in, and during the rerailing process one of 1522's drawbars was cut and the pilot damaged. A new drawbar and repairs to the pilot were provided by Lunar Tool of St. Louis.) Upon arrival the 4-8-2 was placed in the diesel shop for a thorough inspection. SLSTA crewmen are being assisted by Scott Lindsay of Steam Operations Corporation, who is on the journey as an FRA-licensed engineer and who provided services during 1522's running gear rebuild. The break-in run to Yates City scheduled for today has been cancelled, and the remaining two runs (another to Yates City, and a longer trip to West Quincy, MO) could be rescheduled or cancelled as well. 1522 will be on display during Galesburg Railroad Days. 1522 will begin its return to St. Louis on Sunday Night, some time after 1700, and will apparently run overnight. | |
| 17 June 1999 USA David Epling's 2467 Page | (ex-SP 4-6-2 2467) Well, Union Pacific's Steve Lee must have liked what he saw during his 3 June 1999 inspection of 2467. The Pacific was allowed to ferry herself to Railfair in Sacramento yesterday, in a one-time relaxation of UP's policy on third-party locomotives. Other than the usual warm journals during a shakedown run, 2467 apparently ran fine. Hats off to the Union Pacific, and congratulations to the Pacific Locomotive Association. | |
| 16 June 1999 USA 2719 Web Site TVRM Web Site | (ex-SOO 4-6-2 2719) Drivers from Soo 2719, which was struck in the early morning hours of 9 May by a Wisconsin Central freight, have arrived in Chattanooga, TN. Steam Operations Corporation, the running gear contractor on the original 2719 rebuild, will check all three drivers for any problems. The total amount of work done is still under discussion with L&TPF; 2719 may even get a new wheel center casting. | |
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| See a regularly-updated photo essay on 2719's driver work here. | ||
| 10 June 1999 Canada North Shore News story | (CPR 4-6-4 2816) This non-streamlined, non-Royal Hudson was given a hydrostatic test on 3 June 1999, and apparently passed quite handily. CPR has not made a commitment to overhaul the locomotive for service yet - but a final cost analysis is expected soon, and hopefully the sum will be within what CPR is willing to pay. | |
| 4 June 1999 USA 2719 status report | (ex-SOO 4-6-2 2719) Work has already begun on repairing the damage caused in the accident of 9 May (see below). Drivers are being removed, and will arrive at TVRM's "Polish Wheel Shop" in Chattanooga around the 15th. Once there the drivers and journals will be check for alignment in all planes, and any defects will be corrected on the journal lathe or quartering machine TVRM bought from the PKP (Polish State Railways) in 1997. A thorough inspection and ultrasound of the boiler will begin soon, and the shell will be patched where studs were ripped out. The organization's unofficial goal is to be ready for the 10 September ferry to Whitehall, WI, for trips to East Winona, WI. (Thanks to the L&TPF and Mark Ray.) | |
| 1 June 1999 USA PLA homepage | (ex-SP 4-6-2 2467) SP 2467 moved under its own power for the first time since retirement yesterday, moving around the yards of the Oakland army base where the Pacific Locomotive Association has been restoring the engine. The engine will be towed to Sacramento for Railfair 99 later this month, along with ex-SP GP9 5623. Now, about that plandampf . . (Thanks to Rolland Meyers and Mike Delvecchio.) | |
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| 28 May 1999 USA SP&S 700 Web Site | (ex-SP&S 4-8-4 700) No. 700 will be making two outings on the Willamette & Pacific in the coming weeks. The first is to haul a pair of rock trains on the W&P's ex-Oregon Electric (later BN) line serving Quinaby, OR. The trains will originate at Reed Quarry, and include coaches as well as a rider gon. In July the 4-8-4 will put in an appearance at an Operation Lifesaver event in McMinnville, possibly powering public trips over the weekend of 10-11 July. (Thanks to Alan Miller.) |
| 24 May 1999 USA SLSTA Trips Page | (ex-SLSF 4-8-2 1522) - The Saint Louis Steam Train Association fired up ex-Frisco 4-8-2 1522 again this weekend, and put the finishing touches on the engine and the train it will haul to Galesburg's Railroad Days next month. They also confirmed the engine's operating schedule for that trip, which can be found on the schedules page. A leisurely 20mph average pace is scheduled for the two-day ferry move to Galesburg, which will serve as the locomotive's shakedown run after its comprehensive overhaul, and 1522 will get a visit to the inspection pits in Galesburg upon arrival. The only other scheduled run will be a pre-display turning move to Yates City on Monday, 21 June. The return pace promises to be a bit brisker. Have you noticed that BNSF will host three mainline steam operations in June, with the possibility that all three locomotives will be on the move simulataneously (28 June)? |
| 20 May 1999 USA SBRHS Web Site | (ex-AT&SF 4-8-4 3751)The worst-kept secret in the Railfair planning was made official today, when 3751's operating dates were made known. The 4-8-4 will run under her own power between Los Angeles and Sacramento, with its equipment car, a diesel for dynamic braking and protection from San Bernardino to Bakersfield, and probably 10 freight cars or 6 stack cars for braking. Dates are posted in the schedules page. |
| 20 May 1999 USA Durango & Silverton NGRR | (ex-D&RGW 2-8-2 486) - Ex-D&RGW K36 2-8-2 486 is finally back in Durango, Colorado. Last operated by the Rio Grande in 1963, and on display at the Royal Gorge near Canon City since then, the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad has been trying for at least 3 years to acquire the engine. A deal was reached in late 1998 to trade ex-D&RGW K37 2-8-2 499 (which will take 486's place on display). After removing the asbestos lagging from 499, D&S cosmetically restored the engine; it will be taken to Canon City next week. 486 will enter the D&S shops, and will soon join sisters 480-482 in service. Just think - of the ten K36s built in 1925, nine still exist, and eight are either in service or under active repair. Only 483 (at the C&TS in Chama, where 484 and 487-9 are active) is out of service. (485 was scrapped in 1954 after falling into the turntable pit at Salida, CO, in 1953.) |
| 19 May 1999 USA 4449 Web Site | (ex-SP 4-8-4 4449) - It appears that the "all-Daylight" consist (currently auxiliary tender, three crew cars, and the round-end obs) rumored and hoped for during ex-SP 4449's trip from Portland to Sacramento is only going to last one day, and maybe not that long. Tentative plans are to haul Mount Emily Shay No. 1 (on a flatcar) between Bend, OR and Sacramento in both directions; Sumpter Valley's W. H. Eccles Heisler may join No. 1 as well if its overhaul is finished in Baker, OR. Canadian 2-2-2 "John Molson" may join the consist at Vancouver, WA. And it also appears that Doyle McCormack's latest project, the two "Mexican PAs" (ex-D&H, exx-AT&SF) will be in the train (also on flatcars) for the entire return to Portland, where Doyle will begin restoration. Finally, according to Rollin Bredenburg, a diesel may be in the consist between Klamath Falls, OR and Sacramento for dynamic braking. That makes the Portland-Bend stretch the one to get, folks - maybe. (Thanks to Bill Shippen of "Flimsies.") |
| 12 May 1999 USA PLA homepage David Epling's 2467 page | (ex-SP 4-6-2 2467) - Ex-Southern Pacific 4-6-2 2467 was fired up today, the high point in a nine-year overhaul returning the locomotive to its late-1940s appearance. Once a few minor defects discovered during the fire-up are corrected, the boiler will be lagged and jacketed; Mike Pechner reports that "the craftsmanship and attention to detail is superb." It appears that the Pacific Locomotive Association's forced march to complete the locomotive in time for Railfair '99 has paid off. (Thanks to Mike Pechner and Mike Delvecchio.) Am I the only one letting thoughts of 2467 and sister 2472 doubleheading on the Peninsula bring a smile to his face? Even better, how about a "plandampf"-style event, with both engines in service over a weekend? Saturday schedules would permit two round-trips with each locomotive, and a Sunday doubleheader could be a nice cap to the event. Events financed by selling photo passes work in Europe - why not here? |
| 9 May 1999 USA Soo Line 2719 web site | (ex-SOO 4-6-2 2719) - Ex-Soo Line 4-6-2 2719 suffered extensive boiler and running gear damage when it was struck by a westbound Wisconsin Central freight led by WC 6623 during a layover at WC's Irvine Yard in Chippewa Falls, WI. No injuries occurred as a result of the collision, which also damaged the diesel locomotive. Reports indicate that six passenger cars rolled free and struck 2719, setting it in motion and causing it to foul the main. The main line was closed for approximately 12 hours while a contract rerailing firm cleared the equipment. According to a source close to the operation, vandalism may have played a role. A doubleheader with ex-Soo Line 1003 and 2719 (planned for 23-24 May) will now be operated by 1003 alone, and it appears that 2719's September and October trips might be powered by 1003 if 2719 is not repaired by then. The locomotive is fully insured, and repairs will begin as soon as possible. |
| 4 May 1999 USA Heber Valley Railroad | (ex-GW 75) - The Heber Valley Scenic has announced that it has acquired ex-Great Western 2-8-0 75 and 10 cars. Plans are to have the train operating in one of 75's various movie guises during the 2002 Winter Olympics. |
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| 29 April 1999 USA BNSF Web Site 4449 Web Site | (ex-SP 4-8-4 4449) - BNSF has announced the cancellation of the Employee Appreciation Special scheduled to run in the Northwest behind ex-Southern Pacific 4-8-4 4449. An internal BNSF memo dated April 28 reads as follows: "BNSF senior management yesterday decided it was prudent to cancel the 1999 Employee Appreciation Special, which and been scheduled to start on May 31 at Vancouver, WA. "We are disappointed with our business levels so far in 1999, and we have a number of employees on furlough in the Pacific Northwest," said BNSF CEO Rob Krebs. "Unfortunately, we do not see business improving soon, especially grain, and we are concerned about expenses for the remainder of this year. "I know that many BNSF employees and their families were looking forward to riding the Special this year, but I cannot see spending money to run a train at the same time that we have employees out of work," Krebs said." |
| 29 April 1999 Poland Phillippe Quiot's Bahnhofplatz | Phillippe Quiot is reporting that Polish State Railways (PKP) are offering at least 40 steam locomotives for sale, including at least 33 2-10-0s from several different classes, 2-8-2 tanks, and 6 of the very handsome Pt47 express 2-8-2s. 15 May is the cutoff date for the sale. (Thanks to Mike Delvecchio.) |
| 26 April 1999 USA Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad | (C&TS RR) - The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad's snow-clearing photo trip ended a day early when ex-Denver & Rio Grande Western K36 2-8-2 484 left the rails about 6:00pm on the first day, near MP 326 at Los Pinos, Colorado. No injuries were reported, although one crewman was apparently thrown from the cab during the incident. According to witnesses, the locomotive ended up leaning toward the fireman's side at approximately a 45-degree angle. Damage to the engine could not be confirmed, but definitely includes the drawbars between engine and tender, and could include running gear, appliances or firebox troubles. K37 497, doubleheading with the 484 to pull a train consisting of a flanger and work cars, returned to Antonito as a caboose hop on the 27th. C&TS plans to bring in two cranes this week to rerail the engine. Update 14 May: 484 is finally back on the rails. |
 C&TS 2-8-2 484 being rerailed at Los Pinos, CO, 13 May 1999. Photo Copyright 1999 by Roger Briggs, all rights reserved. Used by permission. | |
| 19 April 1999 USA | (ex-D&RGW 4-6-0 169) - A newspaper in Longmont, Colorado, is reporting that ex-D&RGW T12 Class 4-6-0 169 was fired up over the weekend. Trains Magazine reported in its March 1998 issue that the Colorado Historical Society had provided funds toward the engine's restoration. Interestingly, the article reportedly mentions running the locomotive between Alamosa and Antonito, and Alamosa and Creede - quite a trick, as at last report the engine was still 3'-0" gauge. Here's hoping the engine is finished soon and becomes a regular visitor to both the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic, and the Durango and Silverton. T12s are very handsome engines and were the standard passenger power on the D&RGW narrow gauge until the 1920s. |
| 16 April 1999 United Kingdom Flying Scotsman Railways | (ex-LNER 4-6-2 4472) - "Flying Scotsman," the British-built Pacific, is set to return to the main line in June. Since she last operated in April 1995 on the Langollen Railway in Wales, the engine has changed owners and undergone a thorough overhaul at her Southall (west London) base. In recent years "Scotsman" has run in her British Railways appearance of 1961-1963 as 60103; owner Tony Marchington has stated that the engine will return to service in the more familiar "LNER 4472" guise. "Scotsman" will lead a series of luxury trains to York, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Norwich, and take a trainload of revelers on a Millenium special to Edinburgh. The riders will see in the Millenium speeding up the East Coast Main Line behind a Gresley Pacific - what could be more appropriate? |
| 12 April 1999 USA BNSF Web Site 4449 Web Site | (ex-SP 4-8-4 4449) - Rollin Bredenberg, a BNSF officer, has posted a "rumor" that ex-SP "GS4" Class 4-8-4 4449 will be sent to Railfair 99 by BNSF. According to Mr. Bredenberg, after completing its Employee Appreciation Specials duties on 14 June, 4449 will make the 3-day journey, Portland - Wishram - Keddie - Sacramento, under its own power. Subsequent information provided by a source close to the event indicates a freight consist is in the cards for No. 4449. (See schedules.) In this same thread Hal Lewis, Rail Operations Manager for the joint NHRS / R&LHS Convention (being held concurrently with Railfair 99), notes that now "three of the four operating 4-8-4s in the west" will be in Sacramento, a reference to UP 844, SP 4449, and AT&SF 3751. According to two sources involved in Railfair planning, No. 3751 was the subject of a direct request from California Gov. Gray Davis to BNSF's Robert Krebs for BNSF help in getting the engine to Railfair. Current thinking is that 3751 will travel under its own power (though perhaps with protection diesels in train) from Los Angeles (via overnight stops at Barstow, Bakersfield, and Fresno) to Stockton, where it will be delivered to UP for forwarding to Railfair; no excursions with the engine are planned. 3751 may also get a freight en route. Dates for these ferry moves will be posted as they become known. |
| 9 April 1999 USA Union Pacific Web Site | (USA, UP 4-6-6-4 3985) - Union Pacific FSSF Class 4-6-6-4 3985 made a test run to LaSalle, CO, and return today. The test run was delayed for a day, reportedly because high winds on the UP main line had slowed trains, leading to a shortage of crews. |
| 31 March 1999 USA BNSF Web Site | (ex-SP 4-8-4 4449) - BNSF today announced the 1999 Employee Appreciation Special. A press release notes that "The train will include eight passenger cars -- the Fred Harvey dining car, Valley View, Powder River, Skagit River, Bay View, Flathead River, Fox River and the W.B. Strong. The cars will be pulled by the Southern Pacific 4449 steam locomotive for most of the journey." 31 May - 14 June will be protected by ex-SP "GS4" Class 4-8-4 4449, repainted into black livery and lettered for BNSF. For details on the routings, see the page. |
| 30 March 1999 USA Union Pacific Web Site | (UP 4-6-6-4 3985) - Union Pacific FSSF Class 4-6-6-4 3985 returned to steam today after a thorough overhaul in the company's Cheyenne, WY, facility. No. 3985 last ran in July 1996. 3985 will accompany 4-8-4 844 on 17 passenger cars to Roseville, CA. See the schedules page for details. |
| 27 March 1999 USA SLSTA Home Page | (ex-SLSF 4-8-2 1522) - Ex-St. Louis - San Francisco 4-8-2 1522 moved under its own power again today, a major milestone in the locomotive's eighteen-month, US$300,000 overhaul by the Saint Louis Steam Train Association, 1522's support group. Last out on the main line in 1997, 1522 missed the BNSF Employee Appreciation Special that year due to running gear problems, and SLSTA decided to withdraw the engine and overhaul it. A two-year overhaul brought the engine's running gear back into spec (using the original drawings), and the trailing truck received roller-bearings (as did the pony truck in a previous rebuild). Other efforts included inspecting and relagging the boiler shell, and air brake and other appliance maintenance. The oil-burning "Mountain" should be back on the road in June for the Galesburg Railroad Days (see schedules for details). |
| 22 March 1999 United Kingdom | Wessex Trains are reported to be reviewing their plans for steam hauled main line rail tours, and are no longer taking bookings for their published programme of tours. Please take this into account when viewing schedules with Operator shown as WSXT. |
| 1 January 1999 United Kingdom | Excursion Operator Days Out Limited has "ceased trading" (gone out of business) and cancelled its remaining scheduled UK Main Line excursions. Days Out was the first "New" steam excursion operator to emerge during the UK Railway privatisation, and chalked up a number of "firsts" during its troubled existence. Owner Mel Chamberlain's tendency to advertise trips, only to cancel them when insufficient bookings materialised, probably led to skepticism on the part of ticket buyers and a downward spiral. Nevertheless, DO's legacy of innovative trips will remain. |
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