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UP: boiler work nearly complete on 844
Some time back there were discussions about the issue of water quality used in these UPRR Steam Locomotives, and the effects that apparently untreated water ( Miss-treated?) had had on the boiler tubes of the 844 and 3985 (?). Was this, in fact, cause for the ‘boiler issues’ in both locomotives (?). What was the resolution of these issues?
Sam, I think that was started by a “Foamer” who saw a pile of flues beside 844 and took it upon himself to determine that that was the cause of the 844 going in for repairs. One would think that to make such a determination a college degree and some scientific research might be needed. In other words its best to drop this subject IMHO.
This is good to hear. I’m sick of the “foamers” continually bashing what’s happening with the UP Steam Program. If one looks back in history, bad water and poor maintenance have been issues since the beginning of steam. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bashing the marvelous work of Steve Lee and associates and their predecessors. They all did the best they could with the tools and knowledge they had.
This means that work is actually ahead of schedule as UP had earlier announced no steam until 2017. With 844 moving along, that means more time for the Big Boy.
Whether you believe there was mismanagement or not is up to you. However it is an undeniable fact that 844’s boiler time (15 years or 1472 service days) would not have expired till 2019. So apparently if everything was correct in the steam shop Ed and the crew just gutted the boiler on 844 for the practice.
Would have been nice to get right to work on 4014 and preserved the 150 years of steam on the UP. But sadly no that amazing statistic has already died. Other crews have managed to get 611 from dead to steam in 9 months. Western Maryland is well on its way with C&O 1309 which is the closest thing to compare to a Big Boy. However here we are with close to 2 years of work on 844 with a timeline that keeps getting pushed back.
Are there issues with management at the steam shop? I’m not one to judge but there is the popular saying, “Where there is smoke there is fire.” Well the smoke I’m taking about isn’t from any steam engines.
I glad to see the 844 is making progress.
I can’t understand all the rumor and innuendo without facts that populate comment sections, like “I’m not one to judge…but…”
As a long time Challenger fan I’m disapointed to see the delay in repairing 3985 but understand the Big Boy is the hallmark of UP Steam and takes it’s place at the head of the line.