E&P took delivery of Toklat Northern's Atlantic 4-4-2 #21 on Saturday for evaluation and possible replacement for E&P's Pacific 4-6-2 #34.
Toklat Northern #21 in Thorny Point.
After removing the "Bullfrog Snot" from the drivers and giving all of the wheels a good cleaning, a traction effort test was performed between Thorny Point and White Hall and back to Thorny Point. The consist for #11 (RPO, baggage, coach and observation) was coupled on to #21 and hauled to White Hall. Coupler issues surfaced that caused the RPO to uncouple from #21 several times. At White Hall a second baggage and the superintendent's car were added to the consist for the trip back to Thorny Point. #21 was able to get this maximum consist up the hill between White Hall and Flat Top with some effort. There was frequent driver slipping but all in all #21 was able to do the job.
After arriving in Thorny Point #21 was sent back to White Hall the the extra baggage and superintendent's car. It was then turned over to the round house foreman for inspection and adjustment. The foreman was surprised at how much steam pressure it took just to get the wheels to start turning. His comment was this engine takes more initial steam pressure than any other on the road. The initial steam setting was set at 70. The next highest on the road is 65. (This refers to the setting for CV2.)
Next the coupler issue was address and both the front and rear couplers were replaced. Another traction test will be conducted to make sure no uncouplings occur. The engine was then disassembled and lubricated.
If E&P decides to keep #21 then a complete overhaul of the control systems will be conducted and sound will be added. But that might wait until #21 has proved itself in service for a couple of months.
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