Re: Balanced Throttle

Earl,

I was pleased to read your favorable critique of the throttle I built for 497. By time it was finished and installed, I had fallen out of favor of the operating department and never had a chance to run the 497 with the new throttle. Even though I was working in the shop department, I practically had to grovel to get a cab ride so I could get an idea how the throttle was working and if there were any modifications needed. Even then, I only ran a few miles, so I never got a good feel for it.

I worry about the condition of the throttle now after the engine has been sitting idle so long. The bulk of the throttle assembly is made of mild steel, and while it seemed to survive life inside an active boiler drum, I'm afraid if the C&TS hasn't removed the throttle assembly from the boiler for storage, it may be a massive pile of rust by time the 497 comes up for restoration. Do you know if the C&TS acquired the original throttle assembly when they got the 497? They may end up having to use that unit, and if they do, I pity the poor enginemen that have to spot an eastbound at the Cumbres water plug.