Re: CTSRR Inside The Bridge.

It is correct that 484 has been operating with netting wrapped around the cyclone this season, as seen in the photo below. We carefully sealed holes and gaps in the cyclone during fit up to prohibit the passage of large cinders. We had the netting custom made to replicate a netting used in front ends many years ago called Draftac. After much studying and thought, we appear to have been successful in the short term. Unlike our first attempt with 488 last fall, 484’s current setup is remarkably self-cleaning. As Earl mentioned, 488 will emerge from its smokebox job with a conventional netted “master mechanic” front end like how it was delivered from Baldwin.

This has all been the result of much diligent research on our part in a serious effort to preserve coal firing here. The C&TS has not experienced a single stack fire yet this year, the only two coal burners in service having been 484 with the netted cyclone and 463 with a netted master mechanic. In fact, 463 has been pulling tonnage trains up Cumbres by itself on a weekly basis (which is not typical) and has not started a fire.

The employment of properly netted and drafted front ends in conjunction with proper firing practices is undoubtedly the solution to reducing the probability of trackside ignitions. I do not personally believe a blanket oil conversion program would be the appropriate future for this railroad and I hope our efforts here have been substantial in the prevention of such.



Dylan Hutson
Ex-Cumbres & Toltec Scenic
Mechanical Dept.