Oreos Wrote:
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> How did the 4014 run in the "good old days?"
> Wasn't track back then all jointed rail and in
> much worse shape than it is now? Did concrete
> ties exist back then?
>
> I would think today's track and roadbed is far
> superior to the "old" days in which 4014 ran, so I
> don't understand. Please explain to us all,

Nobody said anything about rail, ties, roadbed or bridges. It's the distance between the track the 4004 is on and the next track over on curves that is important. Also the width if curved tunnels.

The CSX Clinchfield line was able to accommodate sister locomotives to UP 3985. Sometime after the end of steam on that line and the 1992 Santa Train some sidings were extended around curves with no thought to that little detail, resulting in a sideswipe of a coal train on the newer part if the siding when UP 3985 went by on the main line.

You cannot take anything for granted with locomotives of this size.