New Engine?

I guess that the thought of a brand new steam locomotive really excites some people, like getting a new car. There is a lot more to a steam locomotive than what seems to be wrong with the 476. Equalizers, springs, hangers, boxes, rods, wheels, properly weighted counterbalances, injectors, etc. etc.
About 10 years ago another group, I believe that it was in Nevada, had a new boiler made for their locomotive. Dan or whomever, you can correct me if I'm wrong. The point is that fire tube boilers can still be manufactured, firebox and all. If I remember correctly, Jon Robinson told me that the cost for the boiler was about $16,000.
That's less than that new car. If you double the price, it's still less than the $500,000 bandied about as the price for a new one. In the tourist business, one has to maximize every penny.
Rebuild it and run it.
If you want a new one, pass the hat, or put out the tin cup or start your own company. Build one on Speculation or Get a contract from a tourist line. Find a backer and start building them yourself. That's the beauty of this country, if there's a need or a demand, then somebody can fill it.
Rick Steele