I'm certainly no expert on locomotive suspensions or pony trucks, but I still don't see how a properly-gauged wheelset can push the rails apart.

If you never went over 2 MPH, you could get away without them.

But you hit a tight curve at any speed, the Drivers might climb over the flanges and the engine could fall off the rails - And as we all know, this would be bad...

--<< Bruce >>--

Tell that to my 1941 Vulcan 0-4-0 when we're "highballing" at 15 mph.

A whole Fifteen Miles An Hour?! My Stars and Garters! Next thing you'll tell me is they've invented ways of going Even Faster! Even break the (gasp!) One Minute Mile on Rails!

Yeah, the Acela and Shinkansen has the speed record down under 15 seconds. It's called Satire. Note the Smilies.

--<< Bruce >>--

Any news on the Lilly Belle and when she will be back on the line or if there will be a rededication ceremony?

When I was on the tour last week, they said that she was supposed to be back 2 months ago. They were expecting her this month. Roy was pulling opening show duty, and the Roger and Walter were hauling guests. On our last day I saw Roy hauling guests, but I didn't get a chance to ask anyone if the Lilly Belle made it back, but I doubt she would be put to work right away without extensive testing.

^^ That is consistent with what I was told earlier this summer. She was due back in the 3rd quarter of this year. I'd rather they get it right than rush the job. We can wait...

looky what i found on the web. i think we now know where Lilly is (look all the way in front of that tender) the building is the paint shop.

We always did.

true, but their were no photos on this topic so i added one