FMW Solutions LLC (FMW) was retained in April 2019 by the Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway (MPPR) to perform a mechanical inspection of its historic, 1897-built steam locomotive No. 4 and coach 104. These inspections were performed to determine what it would take to return the locomotive to reliable, operational condition on the soon-to-be rebuilt railroad. MPPR is currently undertaking a $100 million project to rebuild its 8.9 mile long rack (cog) railway, which travels between Manitou Springs (Ele. 6,412 ft) and the summit of Pikes Peak (Ele. 14,115 ft). Just this week, MPPR began laying its first stretch of new rails.
"The rebuilding of our railroad is the most extensive undertaking since the original construction of our line in 1891, and as part of those plans, we wanted to investigate the viability of returning No. 4 to service when the railroad reopens in 2021," explained Ted Johnston, MPPR’s Assistant General Manager. "Given the fact the locomotive needs to be converted to a new rack system, this presented an opportunity to bring in a team of experts to inspect the steam locomotive and accompanying coach."
As part of this overhaul of the railway, MPPR is converting from an Abt rack system to a Strub rack system. This means the remaining Swiss Locomotive Works Bhm 4/8 units and steam locomotive No. 4 and Coach 104 must be converted to the new system.
FMW performed an on-site inspection of No. 4 and Coach 104. With respect to No. 4, FMW inspected its machinery and performed a cursory review of its pressure vessel. While inspecting coach 104, FMW focused on the trucks and what will be required to convert it to the Strub rack system. Following this inspection, FMW assembled a written report outlining the mechanical repairs necessary to return the equipment to a state of good repair, as well as the necessary requirements to convert the steam locomotive and coach to the new cog system.
A detailed photo showing the integrated cog, driving axle, and steam-actuated drum brakes. MPPR No. 4 is unlike any steam locomotive in operation in the U.S.
"This is a truly unique locomotive, not just because it is designed to operate on a cog railway, but because of its very rare Vauclain Compound arrangement," explained FMW VP - Engineering Wolf Fengler, MSME. "Our team looked carefully at the mechanical systems, as well as the boiler, to develop an estimate to convert it to the new cog system and return it to reliable, operational condition."
As part of this study, FMW also performed an operational feasibility study of rebuilding the watering infrastructure required to operate the locomotive and passenger car all the way to the summit. The results of both studies were compiled into a comprehensive, inspection report and provided to the railway in Q2 2019.
"We appreciate the detailed work completed by FMW in analyzing No. 4 and its proposed operation." explained Johnston. "Given the amount of effort required to rebuild the line, we opted to hold off on any mechanical work with No. 4 and Coach 104 for the meantime. It is now safely on display at our sister railroad, the Grand Canyon Railway, where it will be stored until our reopening next year."
This view from above the tree line is not feasible today, as the line is currently undergoing a complete overhaul. Visitors will be able to ride the (rebuilt) railroad again starting in 2021!