I don't understand why turning the Big Boy is such a big deal? Railroads use wyes to turn things when they need to, not turntables. I'm sure UP has crunched the numbers as far as where they could run it and how much it would cost to rebuild. I personally hope it happens!
Correct, railroads turn stuff all the times on wyes. The issue is the long rigid wheelbase of the centipede tender. The tender on something like the 3751, or 261 et al can negotiate turns a lot better than a centipede can. Take a ruler, and try to run it along a 12" radius without bending. Now cut the ruler in half and try it. Make a little more sense?
Laramie, WY's wye is a tight fit for 3985's tender. Same goes for 844's tender. The curvature itself is the issue. Laramie is a prime turn around location. UP's 36th St Yard in Denver also has a wye they frequently use to turn the steam locos. Not sure if that has any limiting factors. Cheyenne also has a balloon track at the west end of the yard, right next to the C&S/BNSF overpass fill.
This was posted over on narrow gauge discussion forum (ironic that the big boy discussion is currently ther most active with 58 posts on a board dedicated to ng.) I didn't see it on Trains newswire but maybe I missed something. "Trains Newswire reported monday that the museum would be interested in taking 5511 (locomotive stored at UP steam shop) or an SP SD40T-2 with caboose. UP is expected to come up with a formal "offering" by Friday." Alex
Hmmm. Tomorrow is Friday. BTW- What is the condition of 5511? Isn't it missing some parts? Can it even be moved any distance?
NOW for those interested in Conspirasies......There is a NEW STEAM POWER group that has devised a way for developing railroad STEAM. Forgot the groups name...VERY HIGH TECH....They are looking for servicable locomotives to rebuild with this new technology.You don't suppose there is a chance the UP has invited this group to test this new technology???????
