deano Wrote:
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> it's a shame they don't do this anymore, seems
> like a great PR event for Caltrain...

> Would one day like to see those GP-9's pull a commute one day

deano, I share your sentiment, but I think the solution requires a very large scale approach. I have a favorite sermon about this, but I don't think it will happen until it is realized that steam power is a viable investment to attract tourism and helps support the economy. Right now, UP will not allow ANY foreign steam to roll on its property. I do not villify them for this policy, but hope that a compelling case can be made some day to allow exceptions (occasionally) to that policy based on satisfying the strictest and highest mechanical standards possible for restored locomotives. Also, this will probably only be possible in a non-profit environment. The core of my sermon, is that ALL operating steam will need to be retrofitted with axle roller bearings at some point. I also believe that a remanufacturing environment (NP)could be configured to support this and the hope that UP might even consider participation so that restoration of ANY locomotive is up to the same quality standards that they impose on their own locos 844, 3985, and maybe even 4014(?). Ultrasonic and X-ray metalograhic flaw detection technology should be utillzed, and even possibly looking at modern metalurgical materials tech, such as chrome or titanium alloys to improve strength in rods and valve gear components. I think one good facility could cover the tourist and museum RRs in the western U.S. I am not trying to speak for UP in any way, but IMHO, I think for them to even consider an exception to their current policy, the proposed equipment will have to be of a quality demonstrable and documented to their standards or higher. And of course that requires a quantum leap in the approach to restoration technology. Another concept I believe to be worthy of consideration, is creating a "public" insurance resource for tourist, museum RRs, and excursions to allow these entities to have insurance that will make events economically feasible. Insurance can be used as leverage to ensure compliance the quality standards mentioned. If any railroad knows that the financial liabilities of proposed operations are covered, to include disruption of service in the worst case to the host RR, they may be more willing to consider such requests. --Just a couple of thoughts.