Caveats and boilerplate

Thanks for the kind words. Any operation depends on the locomotive being in good working order. This hinges on no catastrophic problems found while testing. We may be hung up by problems with getting certain parts, but we have some of that covered as one organization has graciously offered to lend us a few parts if they do not come in time. Finally any operation ultimately depends on what is expedient for the respective railroads and the companies that operate them.
The 315 was a badly stripped and poorly cared for historic display. It needed over 20 new appliances and the few appliances still on the locomotive needed rebuilding. All remaining systems like brakes, ash pans, drive train, etc. were completely wore out. We had a usable boiler shell, frame and hardware. Everything else had to be repaired or replaced. With such an extensive rebuild there are bound to be problems at the outset. Pray they will be minor snafus.