Re: Fuel Oil Costs for Steam Locomotives

The last I heard reclaimed oil was approaching $2 a gallon, though cheap it can be inconsistent if not erratic due to contaminants or additives. In real heavy use, it is short on BTUs.

Diesel #2 is way too expensive to use on a regular basis, and does not have enough BTUs for a hard working engine. I fired contaminated jet fuel once, it was absolutely worthless.

Fuel #6 (Bunker C) works great, if you can keep it heated. There aren't too many that want to mess with it or can get anyone to haul it.

Fuel #5 may be the best comprimise between costs, BTU and just thin enough to store unheated. It is claimed that is what UP uses.