Steam & Excursion > The Madame Queen (ATSF 5000)

During UP 844's visit to Amarillo, the Railroad Artifact Preservation Society held an open house for the public to tour ATSF 5000. This allowed access into the fenced in area where she is kept. Unfortunately, a tent in one corner was not conducive for photography but there are ways around that.

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Wow - pretty neat alternate to articulation - just make it all out of rubber!

Ahhhhhhhhh! So you bent the flex track and engine to fit your camera. Don't want to get in a fight with you!

That's why Santa Fe didn't need articulation.

Posted from Android

I'm flashing on the intro to the old show "Soul Train".

Z

Love that stack cover...
Is that an extendable stack?

Overfire Jets...

Aw crap you broke it!

Wes, yes it is and that's the PTC box right behind it (sorry, couldn't help myself).

So an HO scale model of a Santa Fe Northern would NOT look out of place on a 16" inch radius curve!

Thanks for posting this photo!

Wow, some fish-eye lens there. Looks like about 5000 PSI of steam testing the tensile strength of that boiler. As Ricky Ricardo might say, it's ready to 'Splode'!

No fish-eye lens, although I wish I had one for moments like this. It is actually 25 photos stitched together in Photoshop.

I would say her keel is broke and she will never track right..or left.
Roger Beckett

So, is ATSF 5000 going to be restored to operating condition, or not?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/06/12 06:27 by OKTrainboys.

Groan!!
Ed K.

OKTrainboys Wrote:

> So, is ATSF 5000 going to be restored to operating
> condition, or not?

Hopefully someone who was at the open house can fill in with more current details, but the Fifty-Hundred guys sent out a newsletter last month, and all indications are that the restoration project is active. They are still awaiting results of ultrasonic testing on the firebox, and are raising funds for the asbestos abatement. Even if the engine doesn't end up operational, getting the asbestos out is a good idea. The project is moving ahead, but as with any privately-funded locomotive restoration, it's going to take time and patience. I wish I could tell you absolutely yes or absolutely no as to whether she'll ever run under her own steam again, but like the election, we won't know the results for sure until it actually happens (Vote Madame Queen!)

This will show you how the AT&SF 3463 will look after the butchers of the NORTH are done! wag216 (Art Gibson and still mad!)

OKTrainboys Wrote:
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> So, is ATSF 5000 going to be restored to operating
> condition, or not?


Even if it is, what railroad will be willing to operate that huge beast, with plain bearing driver axles?

ATSF 5000's size isn't that out-of-line with some other "big engines" currently in the field. Its overall wheelbase is just a foot longer than SP 4449 and UP 844, and the rigid wheelbase of the drivers is the same as 4449 and about three feet shorter than 844. Not that that will make operation a cakewalk - it will still need main line track to run on, and they'll have to deal with the bearing issues somehow, plus insurance and all the other wicked fairies that have put their respective curses on the excursion business.

OKTrainboys Wrote:
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> So, is ATSF 5000 going to be restored to operating
> condition, or not?


If/when they reach a monetary goal that they are comfortable with the "heavy" work will begin from what I was told. Currently, they are doing as much as they can to move the project along slowly without draining their resources and, more importantly, without tearing her apart.

I was aware of the project but had not done any research before seeing her in person on Saturday. I am very impressed with the group's patience and determination to get her operating as soon as possible while pursuing that goal in a logical manner. I gave what I could at the time and encourage those in the area (or anyone who would love to see ATSF 5000 move under her own power) to do the same.

yes that is an extendable stack, that was kind of a Santa Fe trademark, was supposed to make it draw better.
I agree, it would be wonderful to see a "Texas" type restored to operating condition, since it does not look like T&P 610 will ever depart Palestine. But I agree someplace to operate will be problematic at best, who is going to let it and where is there mainline that can handle this beast, how are you gonna turn it?