| Posted by Dana M. on November 7, 2014 | |
Kevin - one thing to consider in your finding that nearly all West Coast steamers are oil burners is that they were converted to burn oil due to the West having more drought. Coal cinders that were still burning or hot enough as they went flying out the stack with the exhaust would cause wild brush fires as they settled on the prairie grass. UP "Challenger" 3985 when returned to operation in the early 80's was a coal burner until a couple of trips across drought stricken states produced brush fires (Several photos on this site capture a couple of images of the train stopped because the crew was battling a couple of small fires). Because of that fact alone - the UP converted the 3985 to burn oil. However - I just LOVE a steam locomotive - wood, coal or oil burner doesn't matter to me - steam never gets old.
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