Grand Canyon Railway Steam - Powered by WVO

[Firrboxfryup]

Economics I suppose required conversion, but to me, a steam engine ain't a proper steam engine unless it's coal fired! One steam loco can't be that damaging the environment.

Great video though by the way! :-D

[Weiberts]

I like how they do run them, but honestly, there are what, maybe 20 steamers running in North America? That isn't going to be that big of an environmental impact. Keep them running like they did 100 years ago. Coal.

[southern4501isawesom]

wonder if it can only burn recycled veggie oil

[Matt3985]

Hope GCR #29 comes back now on the new fuel. :D

[Matt3985]

OMG. STEAM HAS RETURN TO THE GRAND CANYON. OMG. :D IM SO HAPPY TO SEE THE RETURN OF STEAM. Grand canyon here I come. :D

[203lindy]

He talks about offsetting the turn of the century technology, but the steam locomotive is turn of the century technology and it should be preserved for what it is. It's environmental impacts are miniscule compared to most everything else that is "polluting."

[sgprailfan]

Will number 29 run off of WVO any time soon? Will they be selling off any of there engines?

[razgrizaceblaze259]

I know Xanterra is trying to be more environmentally friendly, but they keep forgetting to mention one important thing.  While diesels use less fuel and water than a steam locomotive, and are more efficient, they put out gases that are much worse than what is put out from a steam locomotive. I'm not saying that steam locomotives are completely environmentally friendly, but, as far as I can see, they're better than diesels.

[leadfrog454]

More French fries, more train rides.

[Weiberts]

I care about the environment, but I don't think that a couple steamers are going to hurt it that bad. Run them on coal. We've only got a couple dozen left in operation in the US, so I don't think it is going to be that bad. Besides, they could use the money they spent on research to plant trees.

[rgerhardtembarq]

@Weiberts i agree 100%!!!!!!

[gyjg6564167]

It's great that Xanterra is giving steam a second chance, even though it's not what we hoped it would be. But who knows, with a lot support, we might be seeing more steam runs to the Canyon again. Perhaps even the return of 29, forgive me if I'm over doing.

For those who are watching, please try to get to GCRY! Ride the trains, show your support because it your supports that will keep steam running again!

[Chatzi473]

Just think if someone did a test on how burning vegetable oil and the emissions it makes and power to regular diesels. If it came out the same or close to the same. it might be a way to go back to steam powered trains. Yes it means more people but its a way not to run on diesel and get the same power and all that. Just think of making a modern day steam train that can beet any diesel, this can be a start of it maybe. just an idea.

[run202run]

@Chatzi473 The problem is starting power. A steam locomotive is very efficient once it's moving, but it would take more than one steam locomotive to accomplished the starting power of just one modern diesel. Now your not just talking about doubling(at best) maintenance costs, but multiplying them. Also the demand for WVC would go up and make buying it impractical as well. Still, WVC could potentially be a good option for other tourist operations.

[PNWRose]

I had a (steam) blast on the19th... and the engine DID smell different. Thanks to all at GCR for a great ride and a great day.

[mytickets]

Hello Robert Franzen ,I did enjoy working on parts at my machine shop in Phoenix,we made the caps and plugs that got welded in the tank,It is nice to see you guys are running on WVO.I now have my car and truck running on WVO.If I run up to Williams con I buy a tank of WVO???

If you run down to Phoenix I got some for you

Thanks Whitemans Machine!!!!!!!!

Solar,Hydrogen,Sterling Engine,LISTER

[AmtrakTitan455]

Nice video! 4960's whistle sounds like 261's whistle.

[nicholasbreeden]

@AmtrakTitan455 I believe they are the same, pretty sure they are both Sante Fe 6 Chime longbells

[molallatrain3751]

thank you for the vido #45 will roll on the rail one more time Very cooL.

[WildGuy00000]

I knew all diesel, and full-retirement of the steam would never last

[736berkshire]

Out with the heavy oil, in with the vegie oil!

Out with the old bag, in with the new!

Thank goodness 2-8-0 #29 will be back in 2010.

[Wvfunflyer]

It really is a cool concept that these tree hugging Enviro-nazis have actually stumbled on.

[1971Copperhead1968]

@Wvfunflyer Waste grains could be used also, as corn is used to fire the boilers in our local high school.

[DanielVolker]

This is awesome!

[Thenews72]

Hey, very cool. Also, # 45 on the California Western "Skunk Train" in Fort Bragg, CA runs on recycled french fri oil. very cool. i also know of 1 live steam railroad in mississipi that runs there 7" 1\2 guage steamers on french fri oil.

[trainmaster844]

WELCOME BACK 4960!

[PNWRose]

I'm on it tomorrow -- can't wait!!!

[azbobbybooshay10]

Hope you had a good time! Which car were you in? I was the coach attendant in Coach D. The steam run today was phenomenal, the excitement that was around today was something I haven't seen in quite some time. I hope that in due time, we can get these steamers out more often and do it in a way where there is little to no environmental side effect. I can tell you that today, there was very little smoke when compared to when the engine ran diesel fuel.

[temmemama]

Cool concept. Nice to see a company making headway to keep things a little cleaner.

[stemin8tor]

i wonder if it smells like french fries. Very cool.