Shared by the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau
By Lucas Iverson
Trains.com
ABILENE, Kan. — Steam locomotive No. 3415 is halfway through its 2023 operating season on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, the final year before the locomotive is slated to be taken out of service for its federally mandated 1,472-day inspection. Though the start of the season saw multiple sidelines to the 4-6-2 due to unforeseen repairs in late May and issues with the injector in early June, it has since put in a strong performance all the way to the end of July.
“The early season work by our steam crew backed up with the expertise and on-site work provided by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s steam team,” said Ross Boelling, the president and general manager of the A&SV. “While we had a couple of setbacks early on, they all stepped up and continued working every weekend to keep the fires burning.”
The 2023 season includes an extended steam schedule of consecutive weekends in June, July, September, and early October. According to Boelling, the biggest takeaway has been the increase in a collective effort to supply enough fuel to cover the operation’s expansion. So far it has proven to be a worthwhile endeavor for the staff and volunteers of the Abilene & Smoky Valley. “We are proud of No. 3415 and recognize the draw it is to our property and operations.”
While the month off in August will give the steam crew time to rest, they will also use the opportunity to work on a remaining list of routine and extra maintenance items to the locomotive in preparation for the remaining season, Boelling explained. Steam-powered excursions and dinner trains on the railroad will resume during the Labor Day weekend, followed by consecutive weekends which will conclude on October 8 – including a September 15 photo charter by Dak Dillon. The 1,472-day inspection and recertification of the locomotive’s boiler will commence afterward.
“We are diligently working on grants and funding sources for the rebuild as well as covering a few other mechanical items on the drivers, trucks, and tender so we have a good foundation for the next 15 years of operations.”
For more information and tickets, visit the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad website.