Conversion of Locomotive 493 from Coal-Fired to Oil-Burning
Here is the tender tank for locomotive 493 under construction in Durango. The tender tank is nearing completion off site with construction of the drop-in 2485 gallon oil tank beginning soon thereafter.
Work on the Locomotive 493 conversion from coal-burning to oil-burning continues. Here’s the latest on this process.
All wheels have now been re-profiled. The one nearest the camera has a new axle; the others still need the journals turned and liners faced.
As discussed in previous posts, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad‚ Locomotive #493 is in the process of being converted from coal-fired to oil-burning at the Durango depot in Durango, Colorado. But the actual mechanical work to restore and convert this locomotive to oil fire is only one aspect of being able to successfully operate the #493 on the D&SNG line. Crew training, fueling logistics, and estimating fuel consumption are also key elements in the transition from coal to oil. For this reason, the D&S railroad has leased a historic oil-burning locomotive, the Southern Pacific 18, a T44 16/20 68 locomotive, from Eastern California Museum in Inyo County, California.
Here is the rundown of recent work:
Approximately 175 flexible staybolts have been added so far. We’re a little over 1/3 done with the flexible staybolt conversion part of the project.
The process of converting Locomotive 493 from coal-fired to oil-burning continues. Excellent progress is being made with a great deal of work beginning to come together. Highlights include finishing up portions of the valve motion, rebuilding the rear tender end beam, laying out of the shoe and wedge, finishing UT numbers on the boiler, doing flush patchwork on the firebox, machining driver boxes, and finishing up the spring rigging and reinstallation of various other parts. Cab steelwork is now complete as is the front tender end beam.
Last Ride of the Season: October 26th
We think so, but we’re also a little biased. We’re incredibly thankful to be nominated as one of the “Top 10 Scenic Train Ride in North America” by USA Today! From today until May 13th, you can vote for your all-time favorite scenic train. Do you think we deserve this honorable merit? Then click the link below and vote for the Durango Train! Throughout the duration of the voting period, fans may cast a single vote each day leading up to its conclusion.
