Blind driving wheels (i.e. no flanges) were not uncommon on steam locomotives, though IIRC in the US those were typically used on narrow-gauge locos that ran on lines with extremely tight turning radiuses.  Never heard of drivers that could move side-to-side before. I suspect the damage wrought by the AA-20 was a result of the locomotive's massive size and weight rather than the flangeless drive wheels.

N&W 611, for example, is the largest and heaviest piece of equipment to ever operate on the Strasburg Rail Road, so when she visited for the first time back in 2019, there were serious concerns that she might damage the track, especially the switches.  Fortunately, the track held up just fine (though you could hear the rails squealing in protest when she passed over some of the tighter-radius curves going into and out of switches).

Holy CRAP!  I'd heard about this years ago, but figured it was either a scam to bilk naïve railfans or else well-intentioned but wouldn't ever go anywhere.  But it's legit and they're actually doing it!  And they appear to be succeeding.

Long story short, a bunch of die-hard railfans have formed a trust and are building a life-size replica of a Pennsylvania Railroad T1-Class duplex steam locomotive.

Rerailing.  This was all new to me.  Quite an interesting procedure.

Good stuff.  Thanks for sharing.   

More train tech I'd never heard of: sanding the flues.




Weekend Steam: Big Boy 4014 Accelerating And Sanding The Flues

Supercut of the two best pacing shots from this date. Accelerating out of Walnut Ridge, AR and sanding the flues just south of Knobel, AR. Speed towards the end of the video is approaching 45 MPH. Enjoy =)

FAQ (READ):
Oil burning locomotives must have their flues and tubes "sanded" every few dozen miles because any oil that does not fully combust in the firebox will end up coating said tubes and flues and hinder heat transfer to the boiler. When the locomotive is working hard, a heavy draft is induced from the firebox, through the tubes and flues to the smokebox and out the stack. The sand that is poured through the firebox peep hole in the cab is sucked through the tubes and flues and scours them clean of the oil deposits, hence the short periods of black exhaust.

The diesel locomotive accompanies UP Steam power to provide a measure of security and flexibility in operations. The diesel can hold or slow the train speed down using dynamic braking, thus saving the cost of new brake shoes and the time needed to install them. Additionally, the diesel can be used to assist when necessary, and to extended the fuel and water supply, allowing for longer operating distances and days. Finally, as of 2021, the diesel is an integral part of the PTC system required for FRA compliance.

The water overflow from just in front of the rear cylinder on the fireman's side is the exhaust steam injector overflow port. Discharge from this port is normal when starting and stopping the injector.

Many Thanks for spotting, Merle! This is a great one!

From:  https://truebluesam.blogspot.com/2022/04/weekend-steam-big-boy-4014-accelerating.html

Watched an interesting piece from Rocky Mt. PBS on the Galloping goose equipment running on narrow gauge railways in Colo.  Most were built from Pierce Arrow automobiles and converted to run on narrow gauge mainly to carry mail up into the mountains.  Found it on youtube after catching a short reference on another channel. 

Cool stuff guys.  Thanks for posting it.   

Cool stuff.    

I remember as a kid on the farm using the old sickle bar mowers and what a pain in the butt they were to adjust and maintain.  The rotary style mowers or " bush hogs " were quite the revelation when they transitioned from railway use to state highway departments and finally private users for their own lands. 

A friend who worked for the railroads once told me that the Hy Rail stuff was fine as long as the ground was level and the tracks were dry but things got a little dicy on grades and in bad weather. 

Nice.       I just watched the old movie " The Train " again last night.  Hadn't seen it for several years but it is all a steam railroad junkie could ask for.  If you haven't seen it they are streaming it this week on PLUTO.   

Yes, that is the one.  Agreed on all counts.   

I honestly thought it was one of Lancaster's better performances.  Maybe not quite on par with "The Birdman of Alcatraz"  but noteworthy and the supporting cast was phenomenally good.     

Yup.  No CGI stuff there.   I'm just glad I'm not the only one who remembers that movie .  .  .   

Not a train this time.  Here's a very cool steam launch.

Sweet.  The Reciprosa is just about the cutest thing you'd ever want to see.   Nice, efficient hull for calmer inland waters and it just oozes class.

I'm reminded, though, of the old adage about sailboats being " a hole in the water where all my money goes ".