“What if one of us came into a great deal of money ($1,000,000) and decided it was time we could build a NEW 3' steamer from the ground-up. The questions are:
1. Who could construct it like we wanted, with all the up-grades, brass, and nostalgia?”
Here at the Strasburg Rail Road, we have spent the last 45 years bringing all of the necessary pieces together to handle a project of this scope. We have completed about 60% of the construction of a replica of the Virginia & Truckee #1, the “Lyon” for an individual in the mid-west. That project is currently on hold due to some set-backs that our customer is going through, but we look forward to seeing it through to completion.
“2. What would this be a copy of? (first thought was #9 of the C&C-SPNG or one of the Colorado 2-8-0s.)”
Any of these would be a good choice. A prototype with a straight boiler would be more economical, as would one with a quantity of original blueprints extant. I would bet that a D&RGW C-16 or C-19 or equal would be as sensible as any, if high capacity wasn’t a requirement.
“3. Where could we establish it (loan it) so that we could occasionally go there, see that its safely stored in-doors, and allow us to participate in its activities and operation (assuming we don't desire to have a trailer to haul it around. We are living a high rise condo in Key West with no storage space.)”
Where ever you could negotiate a contract to keep it.
“4. Would it be an oil or coal burner? Cost-availability of fuel.”
If you were going to base it at one specific location, it should burn the same fuel as the rest of the roster for logistics sake.
“5. What permits would we have to secure?”
If the host operation is insular and under state jurisdiction, the boiler would have to pass muster with the state boiler inspector, as well as any other requirements of that particular state, and they are all different. If the host operation is under FRA jurisdiction, the boiler would need a Form 4, and a current Annual and 31 day inspection in place to operate. FRA railroads require engineers to be licenced on that particular railroad.
“6. And what problems should we anticipate?”
Given an adequate budget, enough historical information, and enough time, construction would be a fairly straight forward process. When in operation, a replica can be expected to experience the same amount of wear and tear, and require an equivalent amount of maintenance as any other similar sized steam locomotive in good condition. Problems regarding relations with the host railroad are probably the biggest variable.
Running gear of the "Lyon"