Hi I am an IRM Steam Fan and I was wondering is CB&Q 4-6-4 slated to be restorable to operating condition, because after its participation in the CB&Q Days Event, it really got me thinking that its should one day be running down the IRM Main Line pulling trains (especially the Mail Train Demostrations). She will be a great engine to run with 1630. :D
I will go out on a limb here and try to reply to your suggestions. No question the 3007 would be a magnificent sight to see in operation. But it is really not suited to our operation or to the construction of our line. Just too big and too heavy, and it would be very expensive to fire up even for one day. The real roadblock will be to restore it, start thinking of upwards of $300,000 to BEGIN. With our volunteer workforces it is probably unrealistic to think beyond the very real challenge of maintaining a few (1 to 3) locomotives in running condition, and that has been amply demonstrated the last five years. Not for lack of effort but they are TIRED old girls.
Bob Kutella
When will 1630 be in operation again? Regards
REPLY: I appreciate your interest but there is no way to predict a date. Even if we had a full time paid staff, the locomotive has to be dismantled to a degree, and the tubes removed first. Then testing and surveys need to be made of the several critical safety and mechanical items. The volunteers are working diligently but even guessing at a date right now serves no purpose.
Bob Kutella