489 on disabled list?

[Ed from Loveland]

I've noticed that 487 and 488 are the only two locomotives in use this week. A couple of days ago, I saw what I believe to be 489 with its smokebox front removed, pulled partway out of the west stall and getting the inside of the smokebox blasted with a high pressure wash. Anyone in the know to tell us what's being done and when 489 might be back in service?

[Evan West]

The poor 489 has had a couple issues so far this season.

My latest understanding however, is that she had leaking flus (spelling?) and so she was in the shop to get that taken care of. No idea when she'll be back together, but it shouldn't be too long.

[Rich Murray]

Thank you Evan. Please keep us up dated if you can.

[Evan West]

Keep your eyes on the webcam. Word on the street is that 489 might be put together and steamed back up for tomorrow's Cumbres Express.

No guarantee, but a strong possibility.

[Rich Murray]

Thank you again. This morning at 5:00AM MT, even though it's hard to tell for sure at this hour,it looks like there are two hot engines sitting there..

[popeye8762]

They've both been hot all night.

[Ed from Loveand]

Sweet! Two locomotives hot in front of the engine house this morning at 6:20AM. One of them ISN'T 487, so 489 must be back in action.

[popeye8762]

I wasn't paying enough attention last night, but, whichever locomotive arrived last night, pulled the other locomotive out of the right side of the engine house, spotted it on the left, then parked on the right.

If that helps.

The locomotive that was pulled out was then lit off on the spot.