Re: Generalizations and attitudes

I agree that the steam fellowship should stand together . I was speculating that traction engines are not under FRA Form 4 ,part 230-style regulation . We with the 315 restoration had a choice - we could go the easy route and get a state of Colorado certificate ,and Colorado requires metal sampling of the boiler and firebox . We wanted to go with FRA approval ,if we take the 315 out of state . The most important issue is , of course ,safety . Despite an excellent safety record of both steam locomotives and traction engines over the years ,the last ten years saw two catastrophic failures in both forms of preserved steam ,and that is bound to attract scrutiny and more regulation . The Form 4 legislation was written by some of the best in the loco repair business .I would not want the 315 or any other steam engine operate if it was unsafe . It should be noted that the traction-engine explosion in Ohio a few years back happened because of the crew being distracted , not of impending structural failure .