It seems to me the days of operation and fifteen year rule regarding inspections and overhaul of steam locomotives is rather arbitrary. How were things done before this rule and in other countries (i.e. the U.K.) ? With modern real-time testing equipment and sensors, is this necessary to ensure safety?
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The fifteen year rule replaced a five year rule, so it was a break for tourist steam train operators. The new rules make use of some modern techniques for inspection and maintenance. There have been some serious accidents with both preserved steam locomotives and steam tractors, so oversite and regulation appear to be warranted. There are a number of locomotives coming due for their first reinspection cycle under the fifteen year rule. So far from what I have heard, the fifteen rule appears to have worked well.
I believe here in the UK it is seven years that can be extended to ten years dependant on the initial seven year inspection.
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