Re: D&S #473

I would question if the 473 is in for new flues. I remember that engine going down in early August of 1999 for a flu job. Right now would only be about 800 days. It wouldn't steam worth a hoot summer of 1999, at least not in the house. 1999 was the year for the bad flues though, as it is the same year that the UP #844 dropped a tube in California, and the 480 lost a tube about six miles South of Silverton, Westbound. If I remember right, they left the 480 in Silverton, and the rescue engine was 476, which pulled all 22 cars back to Durango. No big deal except the wet rail on the Highline.
I remember hearing that the 476 has a damaged frame, with the cylinders working against the frame. I would say it did pretty good, as old as it is. I am sure it will run again. The Durango crew has alot of talent.
Also, the 478 had the Grand lettering on it for the entire summer of 1999. It was the only engine to have the flying Grande on it. Did they paint it in 2000? The 478 had the best paint job in the bunch!
Ryan