Re: 473 Test Run

MD Ramsey Wrote:
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> Kevin - The 473 went through a comprehensive (1472
> Service Day) inspection that was completed on
> August 13, 2014. All tubes were removed, the
> boiler surveyed and a recalculated Form 4 was done
> at that time. I am not sure how many service days
> it has accumulated since, but my guess is around
> 400 or so. In anycase, it is good until August
> 2029 or 1472 service days, whichever comes first.
>
> The boys in the shop are probably doing some
> needed boiler maintenance, which in some cases
> requires changing out some tubes. Been there, dome
> that...
>
> MD Ramsey

Interesting, thanks! I'm wondering how many tubes typically get replaced during the course of the 1,472 operating days or 15 years. I've heard reports from several museums and tourist railroads that indicated they were retubing as well, and none of the locomotives involved were even close to being due for the 1,472 SDI. The folks I spoke with just indicated that the quality of the steel in the tubes they were using just isn't what it used to be.

/Kevin Madore