08-15-2012, 05:12 AM
Rob I know what you are saying, but I also know the other side of the story. Steam locomotives, while wonderful to watch, are nightmares for expense.
I don't know what your rules are but in the states among many regulations for steam, a boiler retube is required every 15 years whether it has been operated or not , or after 1472 days of operation. I would venture a price of 3 million to retube a boiler on a big locomotive so you are looking at over $2,000 a operating day just to do the 1472 day inspection. Add the cost of fuel and you can understand why they do not operate much and fund raising is constant.
Another drawback to steam is they are so great to watch but not so great to ride behind, and revenue is seldom made from watchers.
This is interesting reading
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.fra.dot.gov/rrs/downloads/safety/Compliance%20Manuals/Chapter9_2012.pdf">https://www.fra.dot.gov/rrs/downloads/s ... 9_2012.pdf</a><!-- m -->
Charlie
I don't know what your rules are but in the states among many regulations for steam, a boiler retube is required every 15 years whether it has been operated or not , or after 1472 days of operation. I would venture a price of 3 million to retube a boiler on a big locomotive so you are looking at over $2,000 a operating day just to do the 1472 day inspection. Add the cost of fuel and you can understand why they do not operate much and fund raising is constant.
Another drawback to steam is they are so great to watch but not so great to ride behind, and revenue is seldom made from watchers.
This is interesting reading
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.fra.dot.gov/rrs/downloads/safety/Compliance%20Manuals/Chapter9_2012.pdf">https://www.fra.dot.gov/rrs/downloads/s ... 9_2012.pdf</a><!-- m -->
Charlie