ron Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> RIGHT ON.
>
> This BS began in March or April of this year on
> Altamont.Remember the 4014 would not be ready in
> time for the May centennial. Then it would break
> down and not make it there at all.

It made it thanks to the 844. Which I am glad the 844 is still around, to bad the 3985 wasn't still around. Everyone seems to forget about that fine locomotive.


Then when it
> did show up it was only because it was being
> pushed by a diesel.

It was pushed on that trip by the 844.


They have been on the diesel
> pushed theme ever since.

It has been pushed by the helpers on every trip. I know this for a fact and after the SoCal trips its all out in the open.

It's not a running
> locomotive to them unless it's pulling a one
> hundred fifty car freight train with friction
> bearings over the Utah mountains.

It would be locomotive to me if it could pull a 20 car train out of a flat yard like Yermo without diesel assistance, that's not expecting to much. I know this because I was there.


I went to see
> this locomotive at the ceremony in Ogden when it
> arrived. It was great fun and i am glad i took the
> time and effort to see it running.Tens of
> thousands of people have watched it roll by and
> loved it.

That's a good thing.


I am still suprised by all the
> negativity a few former steam heads (who quit)
> keep spewing.

Ed has made a lot of friends over the years and I think a lot of people in the steam community are holding him to the same standard he would hold everyone else up to. And its not just former steam heads who feel this way.