Re: C&TSRR Loco Work

Hard to say right now which locos will be available at the start of the season -- lots of variables, and it's really up to Dan Ranger, Bob Wright, and the shop crew. But it is true that we'd all like to see all six locos under steam, even if for only a few weeks early in the season.
However, come July, RGRPC plans to begin taking locos out of service (one at a time) in order to do the boiler work necessary to satisfy the FRA Part 230 Form 4 requirements. Since 488's boiler is being done this winter, that still leaves five to go, hopefully at a rate of about one per quarter. That rate would enable us to have sufficient motive power available at any time in the next two seasons, even though the FRA rule is that only locos that have met the new requirements can be operated after January 18, 2002.
As some of you may already know, the Commission is currently seeking funding from Colorado and New Mexico legislatures for this boiler work. Wish us luck!