Norfolk Western and Union Pacific Steam.

[Anonymous]

During the late 80's and 1990's it seemed Ns and Up were having lots more steam trips than today. Why is this? Will steam on the main lines ever return?

[JoeKoh]

Up will have some excursions but the insurance Bug has bitten Norfolk Southern.Hopefully the 765 will bge repaired soon.
stay safe
joe

[garr]

Vista,

I beleive NS' reasons for stopping the steam execursions were:

1. Too much interference with the freight traffic.

2. Insurance--current trends at that time and currently of increasing premiums

3. Damaged passenger equipment from a switching accident and the excursion derailment in the Dismal Swamp.

4. Probably most important was the retirement of the Claytor Brothers from top positions and new managements lack of continuing the steam program.

Jay

[Anonymous]

3985 is running... MILW 261 is running, That CP Pacific is running(# escapes me)

765 Will be back on the road soon

As for 611, and 1218... There fate looks sealed... same with 614........

[AltonFan]

I had heard something to the effect that in the chaos that followed the scrapping of Jensen's steam engine, and also Jensen's death, some of his tools and supplies somehow turned up at the NS steam shop, without having been purchased or leased from him. Apparently, the NS steam shop had to surrender the tools to Jensen's estate, and this contributed to NS deciding to pull out of the steam excursion business. I understand UP somehow was involved in this affair, but I don't remember exactly how.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Lehigh Valley Railroad

3985 is running... MILW 261 is running, That CP Pacific is running(# escapes me)

2816, and a beautiful locomotive at that!

[8D]

[route_rock]

UP has been running yearly(check local listings for time of arrival)all over its system.Now if you dont live on the UP well look for the 261.Better yet go to a local museum or tourist line( I know I know its not the same )but if you want to see steam you have to go to it.The NS deal yes 611 and 1218 are done and have been done for a long time now.The only way to see them live and in steam is time machine(or buy one or both and do it yourself[:D] kinda like this old house call it this old locomotive.)261 was such a hit localy here that the cities in my area want to have it back next year.Plus I hear that the 261 is teaming up with Amtrak to get out more and help both Amtrak and them with PR and insurance etc etc.Hopefully you get a chance to see big steam in your area if not,small steam is just as good plus they need your support.Which reminds me some of these mainline engines have groups you can join so go ahead join the group your membership helps out with all kinds of stuff.now off the[soapbox]and off to beans.

[Train Guy 3]

QUOTE: Originally posted by garr

Vista,

I beleive NS' reasons for stopping the steam execursions were:

1. Too much interference with the freight traffic.

2. Insurance--current trends at that time and currently of increasing premiums

3. Damaged passenger equipment from a switching accident and the excursion derailment in the Dismal Swamp.

4. Probably most important was the retirement of the Claytor Brothers from top positions and new managements lack of continuing the steam program.

Jay

And the winning answer is....#4 DING! DING! DING!

[UPTRAIN]

All of those led to the dimise of NS steam.

[JoeKoh]

QUOTE: Originally posted by macguy

QUOTE: Originally posted by Lehigh Valley Railroad

3985 is running... MILW 261 is running, That CP Pacific is running(# escapes me)

2816, and a beautiful locomotive at that!

[8D]

Amen to that![8D]
stay safe
Joe and Matt

[Train Guy 3]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

All of those led to the dimise of NS steam.

That's true but the 4th was a real kicker.