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4449 is back in steam
The most famous locomotive that pulled my train and I had the privilege to tour inside is now returned to commission. Welcome back, Daylight 4449!
YES SHES BACK SHES BACK SHES BACK SHES BACK SHES BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK
What are the plans and method to fit the PTC panels into the cab ot the steam locomotive, and which approach will the system use to shut off the steam pressure to the cylinders? Surely the cylinder cocks can be controled, but will they build a new PTC exhust vent on the high pressure steam pipes to the cylinder or will they established a magnetic disconnect between the engineer’s throttle handle and the steam intake valve? I’ve only heard of the #261 crew studying the idea, so I hope all the other main line steam operators have a plan that they can build into their locomotive.
My understanding of PTC is that it can only control brakes, not throttles.
Hope they saved at least some of the supper heater tubes: they are now historic artifacts. Installed by Lima 75 years ago! Wow!
FYI - the 4449 pulled the Holiday Express Friday and Saturday and will do the same the next three weekends. Also FYI, the 700 pulled a memorial train Sunday and will do a photographers special nex weekend as well as steam to the BNSF Christmas party later in the month in Vancouver, WA.
The 4449 is my favorite steam locomotive but I think that the whistle sounds different now than it did in December of 2010