dshutson Wrote:
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> 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.
Thank you Dylan for the detailed explanation and the photo. That makes things a lot clearer for everybody!
Best of luck to you and the entire crew for a safe and successful season!
/Kevin Madore
