I see that the UP is totaly rabuilding a Locomotive that I new nothing about. It is a Steam engine #5511.
Is this Locomotive being totaly rebuilt? Will this be the next Steamer to hit the Rails? It looks realy clean and very nice. I think this one is a 2-8-2. Allan.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showpicture.aspx?id=369798
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/northern/upstorage.shtml
There’s a little info there about it, Allan. It’s actually a Santa Fe type (2-10-2). I’ve really got my doubts that the UP crew would put this one in excursion service, based on it’s long wheel-base, and limited speed capabilities. Then again, one can never tell with these things…
That’s very sad that Locomotive will never hit the Rails ever again. That is very dishearting.
I thought it was a 4-8-2 Mountain type. I guess I was wrong.
UP 5511 is a 2-10-2 class TTT steamer. Steve Lee and the UP have publicly said that they will not be restoring the locomotive, as it is a drag service locomotive with tiny drivers and it would not make much sense as a passenger excursion engine. Last I heard the engine was for sale.
UP also has 4-8-4 #838, which serves as a parts engine for #844. Supposedly, some parts of 838 were in better condition that of 844.
You can see both locos in my pic here. http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=92288
What will happen when the parts run out for 844?
I think we’re already to that point a little bit. I think much on the last rebuild had to be custom manufactured. I think as long as UP remains commited to the steam program (and I think they will be for a long time), they’ll find a way to make things work, even if it does involve custom fabrication.
That’s a good thing. I would hate too see UP844 go away. I have got so accustomed to it over the years. In this day of age,we are very lucky to even have Steam Locomotives on the Rails.