Re: Steam Injector Parts stolen from the Sierra Railroad

Tom Moungovan Wrote:

> Well Kelly, I just gotta ask...I hope that you are talking about
> the injectors and not the locomotive. FWIW, the 36 was considered
> the best steam locomotive on the rr, not too surprising since she was
> custom built by Alco for them.

Yes, I was talking about the injectors. Regarding #36 herself, as my boss said, "What she lacks in looks, she makes up for in ability."

Regarding her being custom built, I had heard just the opposite, that she was built for an eastern shortline who couldn't pay for her after the stock market crash, and the Sierra bought her from ALCO stock. ALCO replaced her tender with her current short one to fit on the Jamestown turntable, and converted her to oil before shipping her to CA. I don't know if that is true or not, but it is what I was told.

Two details that lend credence to that story are that the perimeter framework for a master mechanic's front end is still in her smokebox (something that isn't needed on an oil burner), and the steam gauge is in the middle of the backhead, aimed at the oil bunker, not aimed at the fireman's seat. This makes the gauge inconvenient for the fireman to see, but would be just the place to put it if burning coal. I've never seen another oil burner with the steam gauge in that location.