Re: Sumpter Valley Fall Foliage...

I want to point out for those that have not figured it out. That plume of exhaust you see in Taylor's photos is almost 100 percent steam condensation. It was a wet and humid day when these and the photos of the ballast trains were taken. Although #3, being a wood burner does have plenty of wood smoke in her exhaust, #19, when properly fired does not have much smoke. Smoke in an oil burner is wasted energy. Fireman on SVRR are taught to run a clean stack. A slight amount of color is allowed. Although since her recent repairs, it is possible to run a very clear stack and maintain sufficient water and steam to run to Sumpter and back.
dan