Re: NNG-Why did 1744's stint in service end so abruptly?

You keep hearing about these kinds of things on running steam long after the Gettysburg debacle, in a timeframe where locomotives with many issues which shouldn't be running, were, with the knowledge of folks who should know better. In 1744's case, I'd consider that probably the fault of to the previous owners.
Still, in the past few years, I've heard and seen some truly staggering things about steam that was in no condition to go anywhere, yet did. A couple would really surprise you, and I'm sure as heck not gonna name any of them (as I could kiss goodbye any potential future runs on any of them if I decide to do so again someday). Those who really know steam much better than I (and there's a lot of people who could day that) surely know a great deal more and I'd bet they shake their heads each time they hear of some of these engines being fired up yet again.
It's truly amazing to me that nobody's had a crown sheet failure or good old boiler explosion since the steam area ended on Class 1 railroads.
Ever read about that stationary engine that blew up in Ohio a few years back? Lots of boilers like that being fired up every weekend somewhere, and more than a few are on flanged wheels...


Earl Wrote:
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> How anyone got a UT test on it is beyond me. >

-Lee

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