I caught up with the news that this loco has been retrofitted with Porta’s tuned stack and there is some consternation that UP has put a lid on reports of the results in terms of the operating data in regard how this retrofitting has improved performance…the contractor has inferred that this information will be released in due time…Does anyone have any further information as to why the UP has been so allegedly secretive about this report? What is the issue here? You would think that if a dramatic improvement was not demonstrated then the release or discussion of these results would be a non issue…so does this infer that there was a significant increase in efficency that is now considered proprietary and prone to further study? Is this a development that has slipped under the radar? Any information anyone has would be appreciated…I cannot help but wonder if a retrofitting of Portas concept of a “tuned system” as well as the gas combustion firebox or new insulation used in the EU is next…the Red Devil as retrofitted by Wardale comes to mind…as well. Hmmm…
Don’t be so paranoid. They may still be analyzing the data and determining if the retrofit worked. I am goning to be interested in the results.
I agree that the analysis may be ongoing…the “consternation” came from a dialog elsewhere in an exchange between the contractor who did the retrofit for UP and other parties…I am sure there is no “conspiracy” involved thats why I asked if anyone had further information…as I will be interested as well in this report…
That is a very interesting question, and I too would like to hear the answer. But I have another question: I understand that the objective of the modification was to improve performance and efficiency, but what is the point of enhancing these abilities of this antique steam locomotive?
A reduction in operating cost as well as an increase in horse power. Someone chalked “Porta” on her after the retrofit…nice touch. The other item that cued my curiousity is a rumor she underwent “extensive firebox modifications”…gas producer system?
I would think that there is considerable cost involved in maintaining and operating this engine. Yet the objective is not the conventional rail transport of passengers and/or freight, but rather the emotional appeal of the operating locomotive itself. Simply forgoing that indulgence could save a lot of cost.
So, what is the emotional appeal of this operating locomotive? Is it that the locomotive is an historically authentic, preserved example from the final era of steam that is displayed and occasionally operated? Or is the appeal only that the locomotive is propelled by steam?
The emotional appeal can be both, but if you start upgrading it with modernizations, then it can only be the latter. I know that it is hard to be a purist in maintaining historical authenticity on a locomotive that is operated and must be maintained. Some compromise to modern methods and materials is reasonable. But where do you draw the line?
A Lempor exhaust is a considerable departure. It is mostly hidden, and there are those who say that as long as the public cannot see it, it does not matter. I understand that the Lempor exhaust does muffle the sound to some extent. And there is much more that could be done to that locomotive that would reduce its operating expense, but if you keep going, you lose all the historical authenticity, and end up with a modern steam science project.
I agree but then again what is interesting is that here UP has an already existing and operating test bed in a historical locomotive. Perhaps this was just a pragmatic decision whose benefits could assist the ongoing preservation of the steam program by the reduction of cost. While we know that changing the fabric of an historical object is controversial in some quarters, on the other hand if you look at the history of steam, these alterations \ replacements were done constantly…by the time their service life was over…I doubt few if any locos had their 100% original fabric… the 3985 as well. So weighing these factors …the public is pretty clueless as to this which as it is a PR tool I suppose this was part of the equations of decision making when they discussed doing this…I agree though how far do you go?..once the Red Devil gained her footing…she largely sounded more like a sewing machine than a steam engine…little smoke…you made an interesting point…