Re: About the "EMMA NEVADA"

Yes, the Kimballs did operate the Emma on their back yard railroad. I understand the last time it ran was for its 100th anniversary back in 1881.
Orange Empire has not found complete documentation on the boiler. It appears that the firebox was replaced in 1915. But the rest of the boiler may be original and it may be single lap seam.
To place the 2-6-0 into opeation a boiler survey would have to be done. And that means that the shell boiler would have to exposed inside and out.
The questions of kind of boiler, condition of boiler, costs, and what is important about the engine has generally placed any thought of operating the engine down the line. I would rather look at the attractive and static EMMA NEVADA than have a pile of parts setting around for duration of the project that might drag on and on.
We're doing a FRA inspection right now on a standard gauge 2-6-2. We were told that the removal of the lagging, tubes, boiler inspection, new tubes, and reassembly will take sizable resources. If we did the most we could with the volunteers available it might take 2-1/2 years. If we paid for the work it could be done in about five months, but the cost would be $$$$$$. We are trying to take an approach between the two extremes.
Brian Norden
member OERM board of directors