Cylinder Failure on one of the engines

[Jerry Sullivan]

I read where the engine that had just been fitted for using oil, blew a cylinder head on its way to Cumbres from Chama shortly after, maybe just a run or two and then ----. I haven't seen any more about this, but it can be a very serious, even fatal failure on a steam locomotive but the usual cause is water collecting in the cylinder and then the engineer not leaving the cocks open long enough. So do we know any more about this incident? I retired as a docent following the 2023 season and the last Friday in Sept. this year, my wife and I, and her sister, have reservations on the parlor car, Chama to Antonito, and 3 nights at the Victorian B&B which will probably be my last sojourn to the NG promised land. I could have re-certified as a docent, but at 86 I might be more of a liability than a help.

I was trained many years ago, while an employee of Southern, to operate the Southern 4501, also a smallish 2-8-2, wide gauge version, which is why I am curious about the cylinder failure. The only other reason I know of for such a failure would be some failure in the crosshead/guide area.

Jerry Sullivan
Jacksonville, FL

[Tom Casper]

Jerry, here is what i have picked up from reading. It wasnt water but a broken part the let the piston loose from the rod. Steve Butler has been hired to do repairs. Dont know where he is on that yet.

Tom C.

[Sam Seiber]

A brief status is in my commission report.

[Jerry Sullivan]

Thanks. I only pointed out that water was a issue and I meant in the old days. Since the failure occurred somewhere between Chama and the top of the "hill" it had to be something else. Hopefully Steve can repair it. The serious issue would be if the cylinder is scored too much.

Jerry

[Tom Casper]

Jerry, it wasnt that the liner was scored but the end of the cylinder where the studs were. It pulled metal out there and will take some fancy work to restore that part. There was pics on the NGDF of the failure. Not a pretty pic!

Tom C.