Re: Eureka

‘However, what happened was that I was called by the FRA and specifically told "you cannot operate in Durango."’
O.K., if that is what they say, can’t say as I understand the reasoning behind it though.
“If absolute, then what of a locomotive that is restored, operated one day, and then stored properly for 15 years indoors. Should all the tubes have to be pulled for an inspection and removal of scale that could not have possibly accumulated?”
As far as I know, it has been absolute. The rule reads, “In the case of a new locomotive or a locomotive being brought out of retirement, the initial 15 year period shall begin on the day that the locomotive is placed in service or 365 calendar days after the first flue tube is installed in the locomotive, whichever comes first.”. In other words, no locomotive will operate with any tube in the boiler that is over sixteen years old, period.
I know of two locomotives that were partially restored in the late 80’s, with new tubes installed then never steamed up being required, upon the resumption of the restoration two years ago, to replace all of the tubes, even though they had never been wet.
The FRA does seem to be fond of “one size fits all” regulations. A case in point is the “On Track Safety” rules that apply to all railroads connected to the general railroad system which requires a person be stationed some distance from each end of any track gang. That person’s sole job is to lookout for trains coming down that track, to warn the track gang. When we do our track work, (weekdays during November) the traffic density on our railroad is 0, no trains operating at all. Regardless, we have to have two lookouts, one on each end of the track gang, watching out for those non-existent trains.
“If they deny it, as I mentioned earlier, then the questions becomes whether I will go through the expense to re tube just to operate one week per year on a railroad under the FRA. It does not make a lot of practical sense to do so.”
There isn’t too much that does make a lot of practical sense about restoring and operating steam locomotives these days, but I’m glad you did regardless. Good luck with your project, and your negotiations with the Feds.