Big Narrow Gauge Steamers
The FdeM had modern mallets as noted, and also
some very nifty twelve wheelers from the 1920s
which were about as uncommon as camelbacks
on the three feet gauge.
The largest narrow gauge articulateds were
mostly Garrats from SAR, Oz, and southeast
African nations.
The biggest western hemispere mallets were
the modern Brazilian yellowstones. At least a pair
of these have been preserved , and one was
operated by a fan/museum line.
They are running into the same difficulties found in Canadian/US circles associated with these large
preserved operating steamers, that are not owned
and operated by a real railroad. Namely, that:
they require lots of effort ($ i.e.) to maintain
and operate; the guys who own the mainlines
don't want to let them run their excursions behind
big steam; and the governments, that provide
taxpayer assistance to museums, argue that people
can have rewarding historical experiences behind
ten wheelers and pacifics. The latter can handle
daily operations over the preserved museum
trackage adequately at far less expense.
There is a logic behind this, since the 2-8-8-4
is overkill on four passenger cars, without regard
to the wear and tear on the physical plant,
or its direct operating costs, that will eat up
any revenue generated by museum fares.
It really can only strut itself with a cast of
thousands in attendance watching it hauling
vintage freights and large passenger trains over
mainlines. A buffs delight ... but only possible
irregularly, when you can round up a lot of paying customers, and some cooperative mainline
owning railroad company of the appropriate gauge.
This is the same problems we have over here.
The UK, Germans, Poles, Indians and, it now
appears, the Russians - have solved it :thumb:by direct
governmental funding and/or control over the
decisions as to access to running track.
Good-Luck, PJB
