The biggest problem with her even if not cracked is going to be that smokebox (the area of the boiler under the smokestack. If we could get permission to open the front end door and take a look inside, we'd have a MUCH better idea of what she needs. In the event that the crack is just a roumor, then with some massive casting and plumbing - pipefitting - welding (blacksmith skills) we could get her back in steam. I also agree that she needs to be moved again, perhaps with streetcar track down Water - Bay past the Terminal to JTA, it would ease the job of getting her somewhere on live track. She needs a shed, something like the locomotive at Jacksonville Beach, on live rail, with a siding that runs into the building from the outside. If she was moved to the front of the lot and a bit west of where she now sits, we could do that on City Property. It would make a great start to a railroad museum in the area of the north side under I-95. As the "S" line is rebuilt, we'd have a natural city owned line to Springfield, where she could stretch her legs on weekends.
I LOVE the smell of coal smoke. Guys, talk all you want about your muscle cars, I'll take 1504 retored anyday. You've not lived until it's a clear day - 99 degrees in the shade, and your in that cab. HELL is 4' away from your seat. The engine is ALIVE, it breathes - pumps puff - chug - superheaters and turbines roar, and when the fireman hits the floor peddle, the gate of hell opens. The heat is searing. Crack the throttle open just as she hits 250 pounds PSI of steam pressure. At 260 the pop valves shoot clouds of steam and it falls back on you as a fine chilling condensed mist. The ground shakes, as you move 1/2 million pounds down two steel ribbons.... AH, Muscle.
OCKLAWAHA
