Re: Just a random question about geared locomotives... unofficial Challenge!

Yeah, I’d heard about the mileage disparity between the 11 and 33. At this point, I’m glad that they both survived into preservation (funnily enough, all of Pickering’s later locomotives, except for 2-truck Heisler number 4, have survived), and I’d give anything to be in the cab of the 11 while she was operating, oven-like cab conditions aside. I have survived said oven conditions before, as when I was just a kid back in 2007 or so, I got a cab ride in MRSR West Coast Special No. 91. I don’t remember much of the ride, sadly, except for the heat. I still enjoyed being in the cab of my favorite Heisler though.

I’m just glad that the 11 is cared for in-doors. I know the likelihood of seeing her run is extremely slim, but one can dream, eh?

I didn’t know that the Pickering considered a West Coast Special. I wonder what its roster number would have been, had Pickering actually gone for one. Pickering never used the roster number 9 in later years (I’ll have to look if they ever did, for that matter), so maybe that’s what she would have been. I expect she would have the same treatment in respect to Heislers 1 and 5 as 11 was to 33, since the all-weather cab wouldn’t have been ideal in California.

I also think it would be fun to be in the Kidney Kruncher for a heavy day of hauling. While the crews may not have liked it back in the day, it’s a rare enough experience now that you really can’t help but enjoy it! The Lunkenheimer that Hillcrest 10 often wears is the perfect ambience of the tall forests of the Pacific Northwest, IMHO.

Thanks for all of the info!