Empress Hudson 2816 being withdrawn?
#1
I've heard rumours (mainly on Facebook!) that the CPR Hudson Empress 2816 is being taken "off duty" and put into storage. Apparently, this is because of new management and to reduce costs. Has anyone else heard about this and/or have any more info? When I heard about this, it kind of put me in a foul mood because we have so few operating steam locos already in Canada, and this was one of our "shining lights." I was also hoping that it would return to Ontario one day. I really enjoyed the iMax film about it & saw it twice -- really disappointing to hear now that the loco may be withdrawn.
Rob
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#2
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
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#3
Charlie B Wrote: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


Thanks, Charlie. I'm sure those were the reasons behind their decision. At least it's only being put into storage -- hopefully they'll bring her out again! Rob
Rob
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#4
It took a lot of work and money to get 2816 back on the rails - basically I think they pretty much built a new loco and covered it with the old exterior.

I'd be surprised though if they didn't run it again - at least as a break-even event, just for the publicity and good will generated.

And the tickets were not cheap - I understand a one-way across Canada in a suite was something like $24,000.

Let's hope she is out on the rails again soon.


Andrew
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#5
MasonJar Wrote:It took a lot of work and money to get 2816 back on the rails - basically I think they pretty much built a new loco and covered it with the old exterior.
I'd be surprised though if they didn't run it again - at least as a break-even event, just for the publicity and good will generated.
And the tickets were not cheap - I understand a one-way across Canada in a suite was something like $24,000.
Let's hope she is out on the rails again soon.
Andrew

Thanks, Andrew. Yes, you'd think they would bring it out again once things have settled down or when they've rejigged their budgets. I think the Royal Hudson in BC is under repair & out of service as well. Hopefully 6060 (Bullet Nose Betty) is still up & running! Some day, I'd like to plan a trip out west & see some of these steamers.

Meanwhile, I have a flight to the UK on Sunday where I'll be rejoining my family -- I have a couple steam railway visits already lined up there!

Cheers, Rob
Rob
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