A Really Terrible Loss...Two 1915 Steam Engines Lost In A Fire.

I seem to recall that the D&SNG had a similar incident happen several years ago where the engine house caught fire with engines in it and burned to the ground. The engines were rehabbed and put back in service and the engine house re-built. Maybe this organization can come back too?

Let's hope for the best.  If they had insurance, maybe the claim amount will be enough to bring them back, provided the frame is warped.  

Knox and Kane’s Chinese mikado burned in its engine house. The Valley RR bought the burned hulk and it’s now their #3025. Anything can be restored with enough money...

I think you wanted to say "not" warped.

A warped frame would mean a total rebuild.

Any Insurance Company would call a wraped frame on a car or loco to be a total loss.

They would pay "market" value less any salvage value, not total rebuild costs. Up to the policy limits of course.

Many cars are now totaled by insurance companies because the repair costs, especially electronics are so expensive.

No electronics on these 1915 locos, just lots of skilled labor needed to repair.

Remember the Eureka!

@totrainyard posted:

I think you wanted to say "not" warped.

A warped frame would mean a total rebuild.

Any Insurance Company would call a wraped frame on a car or loco to be a total loss.

They would pay "market" value less any salvage value, not total rebuild costs. Up to the policy limits of course.

Many cars are now totaled by insurance companies because the repair costs, especially electronics are so expensive.

No electronics on these 1915 locos, just lots of skilled labor needed to repair.

You are correct, I meant NOT warped.  I should have reread the post before posting it.  

The Swanton Pacific Railroad and associated 3500 acre ranch are owned by the University of California. I doubt they have conventional insurance. 

It appears some of this information is incorrect. It was not  a lighting fire, but rather part of the SCU Lightning Complex fire (a series of at least 20 forest fires in three zones), one of the many forest fires raging in California, that tore through the Swanton Pacific Ranch and the railroad facility, causing the damage.

Those pics look way too much like the Menards burned engine house accessory.  I never liked that accessory (too negative for my taste), and I like it even less after seeing this.

Several years ago, I was invited to visit Swanton RR and road behind one of the steam engines with my family. Took lots of photos and videos which I treasure. 

It's a big loss. Anyone know the status of the  Roaring Camp RR in Felton?

RAY

Here are some photos I took back in 2012.

RAY

The loss of these two engines is tragic but it seems fires have raged through California every year on my life, which is now at 74.

Don

Hey folks,  It's a real shame that a fire destroyed the Swanton Pacific engine house and two locomotives which were in the structure.

Are they?  We can hope.

While the University is self-insured, typically there are procedures and management by experienced insurance specialists.  We can hope they will be restored.

@Mallard4468 posted:

Those pics look way too much like the Menards burned engine house accessory.  I never liked that accessory (too negative for my taste), and I like it even less after seeing this.

I agree with you. I also don't like "burning switch towers" and that Lionel accessory where they are scrapping an F-unit. Too much negativity.

@Allegheny posted:

Let's hope for the best.  If they had insurance, maybe the claim amount will be enough to bring them back, provided the frame is warped.  

If they were giving rides, they had insurance. Those engines were special, and to a lot of people. They will be rebuilt and restored to service once again.

@Ray of sunshine posted:

It's a big loss. Anyone know the status of the  Roaring Camp RR in Felton?

RAY

Roaring Camp is intact....so far.  Fire line isn't very far away though.  They have taken as many precautions as possible and are trying to ride out the storm.  Maybe with a little luck, they will survive.

Debate over the weather, global warming, and related topics should be reserved for another forum other than this one.  All of those posts were either deleted or edited.  Keep on the direct topic please.

Perhaps one of the journalists with OGR could inquire with that organization and just see where they are with plans to restore the engines? Inquiring minds want to know. 

@tncentrr posted:

Perhaps one of the journalists with OGR could inquire with that organization and just see where they are with plans to restore the engines? Inquiring minds want to know. 

You might want to Google "Swanton Pacific Railroad", for complete details. The Swanton Pacific Railroad is currently owned/operated by California Polytechnical State University (Cal Poly), and I have read that they are reportedly self insured. I met the late Al Smith (founder/owner of Orchard Supply Hardware Store chain) back in the late 1970s & early 1980s, a number of times on SP 4449. He was a great guy, and VERY active steam enthusiast. The fire in question burned down the roundhouse, Al original house, and a number of other structures. Surprisingly, the "car shop" which was pretty much all metal, seems to be complete intact.

Obviously a VERY tragic loss.  

It is saddening, to see the photos of the burned engines, part of the 20th century history of California.    

@John4884 posted:

If they were giving rides, they had insurance. Those engines were special, and to a lot of people. They will be rebuilt and restored to service once again.

Will the various types of steel lose their temper from the heat and have to be replaced?

@RoyBoy posted:

Will the various types of steel lose their temper from the heat and have to be replaced?

Possibly.