First
Paul and the foundation, thank you for the efforts to restore that locomotive. I see your first steps already last year on your internet page.
BUT
The lack of authentic including that discussion here drives me let say a little crazy...
The restoration would be almost a completely new build,
new trucks
new not authentic brakes
replacing frame parts
new cab
new cistern
wrong boiler 45 instead 50
....
That will take years depending on volunteers and lot of money.
And at the end we will have some Climax style locomotive who has nothing to do with 1692.
While doing all that why not make it original, yes a B-50 Climax std. gauge?
original trucks regauge to std.
all not available pattern you can copy the White Mountain Central RR B-50 parts, which is identical.
My biggest concern is the smaller boiler. Yes you can enlarge the firebox and make the steam lines fitting.
But that boiler is 105 years old with no FRA certification and maybe also no ultrasound inspection right now.
Are you sure remodelling and FRA compliance for hat boiler is cheaper then a new one with original size?
White Mountain Central also purchased a new boiler in 2005 who fit perfectly
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whitemountaincentralrr.com]
i am pretty sure the manufacturer can make another copy too.
The story about no place for storage and maintenance in felton...
To my knowledge Roaring Camp uses the old loading shed of the former lumber co. on the other side of the tracks? Standard gauge including a switch and track.
Why not store it there?
And if finished in 10 or 15 years run it on certain holidays on the beach train.
Again thank you so much for the efforts, but I myself call me a rivet counter and hardcore historian.
For me the only way to restore a steam locomotive is to manufacturers specs made for the first owner.
Everything rebuild over the times by following owners has nothing to do with the original intend between the order and manufacturing.
