645 posted:The 2101's 30-day restoration was an unusual situation. Ross himself has said a restoration on that scale and speed has never happened before and never will happen again. Today's regulations and FRA inspections were not a factor back then as Hot Water has pointed out plus there were more people still around with working knowledge of steam locomotives which helped too. I assume you have already seen the link below about 2101's 30-day miracle?
http://www.freedomtrain.org/am...1-30-day-miracle.htm
I've read it before.
A better comparison for you on the speed of a large steam restoration project in today's world is N&W 611 which was retired in 1994 from it's first period of excursion service. It was stored in excellent complete condition - no rusted boiler, missing parts, etc. here! They also had millions of dollars in donations including a million-plus provided by Norfolk Southern themselves. The second restoration was started on June 2, 2014 and 611 was test run under her own power on May 9, 2015 which is about 9 months start-to-finish. This restoration has been the fastest one done with large steam in modern/recent times - condition of 611 at start of this second restoration and the many dollars donated were a key factor here in how quickly it returned to steam. You can read more at the below link in the section titled "Second Restoration and Excursions":
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%26W_J_class_(1941)
Bottom line - the typical big steam restoration project does not get such a high level of monetary donations or if they do, it takes years to raise the funds. As Hot Water said - it takes MONEY - lots and lots of it! Look at Union Pacific - they have a dedicated steam crew, shop and budget which most organizations lack and it still takes UP time to perform a restoration. Keep in mind UP has a budget for their steam program unlike most organizations which rely mainly on donations.
(Also, I will not discuss if UP's current steam crew is competent or not - there are many other threads on this forum and others that have discussed same to death in the past. If that topic interests you please search for those threads as it has no place here regarding your question about how quick a 2100 or otehrt large steamer can be restored.)
I wasn't discussing the competence of steam crews.
If you want to see 2100 (or whatever engine of your choosing) return to steam sooner rather than later I suggest you send the organization much as you can donate. And let's not overlook support for active engines either - for example I'm sure the caretakers of SP 4449 or NKP 765 to naem two known worthy steamers would welcome donations to put towards maintenance, fuel and a fund for the engine's next restoration when the current 1,472 day certificate it operates under expires.
I am a member of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.
As for how 2100 should be restored - who cares long as it is back under steam if/when that day comes. It will be done when it is done!
They are almost certain that 2100 will be back under steam. They are almost ready for the boiler test.
