Ley me clarify something. The claim to a 130 mph
was Kindig's, not mine. I was skeptical then and I am skeptical now of that speed.
I do know for a fact that the 844 did 106+ mph
between Larimie and Bosler, Memorial Day Weekend
1967. I was on that train and saw the stop watch that was used between mile posts.
You could not hear the stack over the wind noise
from the baggage car right behind the tender.
As I recall the train consisted of 17 or 19 Streamlined UP passenger cars. Also one might want to remember, that in 1967 steam had only been offically dead on the UP for five or six years, and there were plenty of qualified steam veterans around.
I, for one would not like to see the 844 or any other large steam locomotive going that fast. The old heads, unfortunately, took their knowlege and skills to the grave with them. Yes, a few passed on their knowlege ( Art Lockman comes to mind), but for the most part the knowlege, the feel, just left us.
There are good people around today that know the inside and out of steam,they are few and far between. I wonder how many of them would give an arm or leg to be able to talk to a boilermaker, machinist, etc. from the thirties and forties?
I look around today and wonder who will replace the people who operate, maintain, restore the euipment now running? I think this is a problem that needs to be addressed now, or another 20 to 30 yrs. it won't matter if a K can do 40 or 60mph or if the 844 can do 106 mph. no one will be around to run it, or to preserve it.
flame suit on
keith