Steam & Excursion > Seen a 4-8-4 Fly?

Thanks to help from project sponsor Clark Crane, FMW Solutions, and Nashville Steam volunteers, No. 576 is one major step closer to returning to operation. After a few weeks of prep work, two cranes lifted the 220,000-lb steam engine approximately ten feet in the air to provide enough clearance to remove the wheels for inspections and repairs. The whole process took a little less than 3 hours. “We can’t thank Clark Crane enough for their help and support in lifting No. 576,” said Nashville Steam Communications Manager Joey Bryan, “their expertise and attention to details made the whole experience very easy.”

More information at the link: https://www.nashvillesteam.org/2021/06/nsps-completes-engine-lift-and-wheel-removal/

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I didn't realize how skinny that engine is.  Its really small for a 4-8-4.  I have to think the weight is more than 220,000 lbs though.  Once you pull the jacketing off and strip it, it looks very small.   Is that weight correct?

Frisco1522 Wrote:
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> I didn't realize how skinny that engine is.  Its
> really small for a 4-8-4.  I have to think the
> weight is more than 220,000 lbs though.  Once you
> pull the jacketing off and strip it, it looks very
> small.   Is that weight correct?

Richard E. Prince in his NC&StL book gave the weight when new as 400,500 lbs.

Frisco1522 Wrote:
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> I didn't realize how skinny that engine is...Is that weight correct?

You definitely answered your own question. It's the weight of just the boiler and frame.

> Richard E. Prince in his NC&StL book gave the
> weight when new as 400,500 lbs.

That's in full working order, with coal and water, and the tender.

That's more like it.   Apparently the figure in the post was for boiler alone.  Still smallish for a 4-8-4.

Frisco1522 Wrote:
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> Still smallish for a 4-8-4.

We all agree Don, but the Stripes/Yellowjackets packed a punch!  Ever been to the grade out of Cowan (Tennessee) up through Cumberland Mountain Tunnel?  Those compact "Northerns" (whoops...I meant Dixies!) climbed that grade every day...admittedly sometimes doubleheaded.  I can almost imagine #576 (or a sister) marching up that grade sounding similar to #1522 barking up Rolla Hill(!)
 

---

There's much to benefit from modest sized 4-8-4s,  as far as lower
maintenance expenses.

Big, heavy rail-bender fleet of 4-8-4s are more expensive labor-wise as well as allied
maintenance cost wise, compared to their lighter counterparts.  
Another factor is the easier 'loading' to the overall R-O-W --- that doesn't get whacked
as heavily in daily traffic levels.

The approach of using double heading, as needed, makes a lot of sense.
You can only use as much shear pulling force as the the train's couplers will
withstand, more than that will get you in trouble quickly.

Lighter engines, well utilized, will 'last longer', with less heavy maintenance required.
Across a whole fleet, you're talking a significant total-cost savings, compared to a fleet
of heavier 4-8-4s...both with respect to the class of engines and to the whole rail system
infrastructure.

Now that this engine is the last of the breed, the capacity for hauling excursions
remains Extrodinary.... she'll be used at a higher percentage of her power curve,
and will be much easier to 'fire' requiring a stronger, more consistent draft,
keeping the brick-arch glowing, and running at the "superheated state" for a greater
percentage of throttle time.

Running at consistently higher firebox temps, and less extreme boiler
temperature variations, makes for very consistent steam generation, better heat from
the feed water pump system, & more-even temperature gradients, higher consistent superheat,  
and less use of the injector. 12 to 20-car excursion trains will really make her BARK.

That all adds-up to a very capable excursion star.
She is well proportioned for her future demands and loading capacities.
You will be amazed at how well this engine performs, as well as how
easy it will be to keep-up with the trip-to trip-maintenance.

We will welcome the return to the Main Line, of this fine example of exquisite
engineering, built into a very capable locomotive, worthy of a great reputation.

​W.

( Please keep your 'insurance' diesels in "the barn", you won't need them! )



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 06/20/21 10:10 by wcamp1472.

I think the term I've heard in the "industry" is "pocket Northern." Or at least that's what the 6325 was called during my time around her...

wcamp1472 Wrote:
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> ( Please keep your 'insurance' diesels in "the
> barn", you won't need them! )


They've got a turntable for a reason, too!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/21/21 13:23 by nathansixchime.