WP&YR #73

The work on White Pass #73 is undoubtedly the examination required for the new FRA certification. For this the tubes need to be removed and replaced. The outer shell of the boiler has to be exposed. New Calculations done for the strength of the boiler, etc.
This is the same kind of work and process that the C&TS engines are having to receive to be certified.
The new FRA certification provides for a method of keeping track of usage time by days instead of months. Old method was if the engine was used one day in a month it counted as a complete month. Some instpections will have to be done on a calendar basis regardless of the actual use time. Over all it gives the various operators a more reasonsable inspection and tube time.
In case you wonder, the new regualtions were proposed by a group of responsible people involved with steam locomotive operation as a means to lengthen out the tube time, and to allow more modern repair practices.
Brian Norden