Make sure you watch the second half for information about Chessie's proposed computer controlled steam engines. Apparently they started the program in the 70's during the oil crisis (sound familliar?) but abandoned it when oil prices dropped. Very cool! I want a model of one of these bad boys! I wonder if it would be possible to make an efficient coal burning engine... Would certainly reduce dependency on foreign oil! I'm sure I'm just dreaming... Bio-diesel is probably more likely.
Could Coal Slurry now be an alternate to diesel fuel in a coal turbine such as C& O tried in 1948 or N&W's Jawn Henry of the 1950's now that oil is sky high? Union Pacific might be a candidate or Norfolk Southern.
Visit "Cincinnati in Motion" (http://aroundcinci.com/inMotion/) a fantastic S scale (1/64) model of Cincinnati life shown in buildings, transportation and venues; part of the Cincinnati Museum Center's local history exhibits. Ohio's top museum attraction is just off I-75. Follow Signs at Exit 2a. http://www.cincymuseum.org for ticket information.
Posts: 3680 | Location: Cincinnati OH USA | Registered:: August 06, 2000
With todays technology making an efficient self loading modern design coal fired steam locomotive with computer controls should not be difficult. Must we wait until fuel is $8 gallon before we begin trying to do something?
Posts: 2707 | Location: Hillsborough, NJ USA | Registered:: April 26, 2004
Yes, I have heard of the ACE 3000. I just didn't realize that Chessie was involved. I have like 10 books on Chessie and none of them mentioned anything...
Rich, I should have known. Is the 614 running any excursions these days? I went to the website, but the schedule page wasn't up.
Also, has there ever been an O gauge Chessie "Safety Express" set made? I know 3rd Rail has the Greenbrier J3 and J3a right now, but I want cab #614 lettered for Chessie System. I suppose I could always reletter one, but I still wouldn't have the secondary tender or the pass cars.
