gregc i read the 4014 made frequent stops for inspections. while i assume 4014 may require some 21st century safety features and may not have been built exactly as it was 50+ years ago, i wonder if it uses any 21st century technology for monitoring and maintenance? i notice in the video that the cars it pulled were lit, doors open(?) and occupied. Assume they had radio communication with the cab. Were those inside monitoring the performance of the engine using electronic temperature, pressure and load sensors and PC displays?
i read the 4014 made frequent stops for inspections.
while i assume 4014 may require some 21st century safety features and may not have been built exactly as it was 50+ years ago, i wonder if it uses any 21st century technology for monitoring and maintenance?
i notice in the video that the cars it pulled were lit, doors open(?) and occupied. Assume they had radio communication with the cab.
Were those inside monitoring the performance of the engine using electronic temperature, pressure and load sensors and PC displays?
Had a nice close look at 4014 yesterday. No signs of any test instrumentation anywhere. Some pix here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmD6o4sr
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
Technical questions
1. What is each axel load on the track ?
2. Does UP have a lower rail weight limit for 4014 and 844?
3. Does UP have a slower warm up time to prevent distorting any of the loco's parts ? Also the cool down time ?
4, Higher elecctrical power needs ? What additions ? Does it have inverters and battery back ups ?
5. Turn out considerations especiall compound of close together turn outs ?
6. Did UP resurface any of the loco's route lately?.
7. Repeat == brake stand?
What about brake equipment? Latest brake stands have better (?) functions, at least different.
Maybe. We'd have to ask veteran steam excusion engineers like Doyle McCormack, Rich Melvin, Paul Nicini, Steve Sandberg, Steve Lee and others for their input.
Anyway, the point I was trying to make is anyone running a steam locomotive under the circumstances I described isn't likely to be fooling around with a Smartphone, texting or otherwise, or nodding off, or whatever.
And if what I've read is true, and it probably is, before any Class One lets a steam preservation group out for a romp on their mainline they have to demonstrate they're more professional than the professionals, and that's saying something!
Again, NO disrespect to the professionals.
Flintlock76 Company officials, photographers, road pilots, you name it. Not likely the engineer's going to lose his focus with an "audience" watching his every move.
Some woudl argue the opposite. Having that many people in the cab can be a huge distraction.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.
The question in my mind is, if they can exempt a steam lcomotive built prior to 1948 from a ditch light installation, WHY can't they be exempted from PTC?
After all, the purpose of PTC as I understand it is to provide a back-up if the head-end crew aren't keeping their minds on their work, to put it simply.
On a mainline steam run there's more than the usual head-end crew in the cab. Company officials, photographers, road pilots, you name it. Not likely the engineer's going to lose his focus with an "audience" watching his every move.
No disrespect intended to any of you professional railroaders out there. I for one have always considered PTC as nothing more than example of "panic legislation" at it's worst.
kgbw49N&W 611 must get an exemption, because I seem to recall N&W J 611, as well as 612 and 613, being constructed in May and June of 1950, which of course is after December 31, 1948. And that begs the question: If (if) new-build Pennsylvania T-1 5550 does get built and becomes operational, will it need ditch lights?
And that begs the question: If (if) new-build Pennsylvania T-1 5550 does get built and becomes operational, will it need ditch lights?
I suspect the ruling wording is 'not used in regular passenger or commuter service', but then again I am no a member of the enforcing agency.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
N&W 611 must get an exemption, because I seem to recall N&W J 611, as well as 612 and 613, being constructed in May and June of 1950, which of course is after December 31, 1948.
Thanks.
_____________
"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
Nope.
From https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/229.125
(h) Any locomotive subject to Part229, that was built before December 31,1948, and that is not used regularly incommuter or intercity passenger service,shall be considered historic equipmentand excepted from the requirementsof paragraphs (d) through (h) ofthis section.
Just wondering-- are ditch lights not required for mainline operation?
Having followed this project for several years, I know that the 4014 was rebuilt to burn oil instead of coal. UP management choose to do this change because it is a lot easier to support logistically.
As far as safety equipment (trip recorder, cab cameras, etc.), I believe they are required on all locomotives operating on main lines.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
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