======================================================= -> This is The 'SPORRS' Mailing List -> Info File: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/infosporrs.htm -> Note: Remember to include your name in each list post or reply. -> Please delete all unnecessary quoted text from the original message! =======================================================
Yeah, maybe so about Hollywood...but what if Kevin "money is no object" Costner is involved...<G>...actually joking aside...money talks BS walks...assuming someone was willing to plunk the money down...then it could happen... David Epling Stockton, California Central California Rails http://cencalrails.railfan.net -----Original Message----- From: David R. Busse <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sunday, April 19, 1998 14:01 Subject: Re: SPORRS: Big Boy - the Movie >======================================================= >-> This is The 'SPORRS' Mailing List >-> Info File: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/infosporrs.htm >-> Note: Remember to include your name in each list post or reply. >-> Please delete all unnecessary quoted text from the original message! >======================================================= > >Sam Reeves wrote: >> > >> >> I doubt very much if 4018 will leave Texas. Number one, 4-8-8-4's haven't >> operated in about 50 years. The track is a lot sharper, bridges are lighter >> than they used to be, and clearances will be a big problem. I doubt if UP is >> willing to pay for all of these improvements just to send a Big Boy to >> Sacramento. (The heaviest engines that operated on the Sunset Route were >> 2-10-2's. And the few Cab Forwards that operated on the western part of the >> Sunset Route were much lighter than the UP 4000 class.) The UP's own program >> of steam is in jeopardy as the operating department tries to makes some sense >> out of the mess in Texas and other parts of the former SP system. >> What is even more surprising is that this movie producer is willing to spend >> $2 million to restore a 4-8-8-4 to full mechanical operation. You ain't gonna >> do it with $2 million. More like $10 million to $20 million to put a 4-8-8-4 >> back in service. Then comes the cost of keeping one hot and fired all day. A >> big reason why UP put the 4-8-8-4's into retirement. Much of the western >> parts of the UP system are no longer friendly to coal fired engines, since >> cinders will ultimately cause trackside brush fires, and upset the Department >> of Interior. So can a 4000 be converted to oil fire? I think I read >> somewhere one 4000 class was tried on oil, but couldn't be kept hot and was >> converted back to coal. >> Finally I ask this question. Why not contact the Union Pacific and make an >> agreement to use UP 3985 for this movie? The 3985 would be a lot less hard on >> the track, is in a stage of overhaul, but can be brought up to operation soon >> for the filming of this movie if the producers are willing to spend the money >> for the overtime the people at Cheyenne shop would incur. I'll bet the >> producers will be closer to their budget if they would use 3985 instead of 4018. >> Or is it all April Fool's 19 days late?? >> > >All good points, Sam. Steve Lee once told me that they barely have >enough places on the railroad to turn 3985 (wyes and turntables) and >that only a fraction of these facilities would turn a Big Boy. > >Grand Canyon spent $1.5 million on 4960's overhaul. I can't believe a >plinthed Big Boy could be made to run again for $2 million. > >Finally, keep in mind that Hollywood in genmeral and the movie industry >in particular is full of more flakes and big talkers than any other >industry. > >--David R. Busse >Diamond Bar, Calif. > >======================================================= >-> SPORRS: 'Serious Photographers Of Railroad Related Subjects' >-> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/ >-> Message © 1998 SPORRS® - All Rights Reserved >======================================================= > ======================================================= -> SPORRS: 'Serious Photographers Of Railroad Related Subjects' -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/ -> Message © 1998 SPORRS® - All Rights Reserved =======================================================
