Thread drift (just as in a normal conversation) --

I think that the reason the UP does not allow "foreign"
steam locomotives on its railroad is because doing
so would greatly dilute and lessen the impact of their
own locomotives. Also: if the crews of these locomotives
are not UPRR employees, the UP does not have the
same level of control over them that it has over their
own employees.

I am a big supporter of the UP steam program, and
really admire them for doing it. Long live the 844, the
3985 -- and, I HOPE!, a Big Boy!

I like Gary Hunter's ideas, especially about insurance.

Back to the SP 2472: I remember it was one of her
driver bearings that ran too warm, not the trailing truck.

And, yes, I agree that it would be great PR if Caltrain would
again run the 2472 on its tracks. She could again pull the
Christmas Train, as well as any special PR trains that might
help Caltrain get more money and more riders. Steam
locomotives are very impressive, and people will go way
out of their way to see one run on a main line at speed, and --
even better -- ride behind one. An experience to be treasured
forever.

Margaret (SP fan)