Q. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> About how long does it take for crews to get an
> ex-SP rotary plow ready for use?

Probably less than an hour.


> The rotary has a cold, drained boiler and has been
> sitting for years.


No they don't, i.e. have "a cold, drained boiler", as the Southern Pacific up-graded all their rotary plows to full electric drive, with the driving traction motors receiving the electric power from the up-graded B Unit, coupled behind the plow. That was done many decades ago.


All systems need to be
> checked, and new crew members need to be checked
> out on it.

One would think that there aren't all that many "new crew members" involved with the UP's current MOW Snow Fighting operation.


Perhaps 4 or 5 days, using the PSR
> playbook?

Nope.


> I'd say Vegas odds are better than 1 in 2 that a
> rotary runs this winter. Place yer bets.


I wouldn't take that bet, unless Donner Pass receives a LOT MORE snow in the coming months. So far the flangers and Jordan Spreaders have been handling the job.