Re: Overhaul time today versus "back in the day"

kcsivils Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think it is remarkable what the maintenance
> folks at steam powered railroads do today to
> maintain and keep in operation locomotives that
> were never intended to have lasted as long as they
> have.
>
> I watch in awe as locomotives like the 493 are
> returned to operating condition. It takes time and
> more money that I'll probably make in my lifetime
> to do so.
>
> It makes me wonder how long the process took back
> when steam was king and railroads like the Rio
> Grande had large, full-time, maintenance
> facilities such those found at Alamosa and Burnham
> in Denver. Facilities manned with complete staffs
> of skilled workers, spare parts usually on hand,
> and decent budgets.
>
> How long would it take those crews to perform a
> complete rebuild of any of the K-Class
> locomotives? How long for a smaller locomotive
> like a C-16?
>
> What is the average length of time today for shops
> like D&SNG who have to keep trains in operation
> while doing a major rebuild?


The K-37's were built in about 3-4 months if that is any indicator. They had cheap manpower and all the tools at hand. Hope this helps.

William
aka drgwk37