I am a regular volunteer for the NN. Once a month, from May-Oct, I make a week long trip up there to run for them. This year I also I also participated in the winter "photo shoots" as they call them.
That being said I got to experience Ely in all its weather extremes this year: from -11 (with a wind chill of -21) in Feb, a massive June hail storm that dumped 6" of hail in the yard, a record breaking 105+ in July, a hurricane in August that made for 3 days of solid rain, and back to sub-freezing temps during the eclipse in Oct.
Ya gotta plan for anything and everything.
The NN can claim that they are the last western railroad whose steam power is 100% coal.
The 81 is down for some boiler ailments as well as pilot truck work. 93 is holding together. 40 is as stripped as a locomotive can be. In addition to getting a 1472 boiler overhaul, she getting a thorough running gear overhaul. Keeping 93 on the road, and repairs to 81, plus keeping the diesel fleet running, have put delays into 40's overhaul.
The NN is looking for an experienced steam mechanic, if anyone out there in NGDF-land is interested.