Calendar Trivia

These are the answers to our monthly trivia featured on the SP 4449 2011 calendar, which is available for purchase.

January 2011

"Do you know what this is?"

This is a close-up shot of one of 4449's two steam-powered pumps, which provide compressed air for the train's air-brake system. They are on the left-side of the locomotive, partially hidden behind two skirt panels.

February 2011

"What's this white foam on top of 4449?"

The answer is: a, insulation.

The top of 4449's boiler is insulated to help retain heat within the boiler. While general purpose insulation is commonly used to prevent pipes from freezing or to keep a house warm; steam locomotives that have insulation are more fuel efficient than those without. In this particular photo, the boiler jacketing and insulation was removed to make room for staybolt repairs in 2003 while 4449 was painted in its red-white-blue American Freedom Train livery.

March 2011

"Do you know what this is?"

This is a close-up shot of one of 4449's steam-powered generators, also known as dynamos, which provide voltage for the locomotive's electrical system, headlights, cab lights, and for the radio. They are often heard as a high-pitched whining sound, and located on the top-fireman side of the locomotive just ahead of the cab.

April 2011

"Do you know what this is?"

Doyle McCormack is seen operating a steam-powered water pump on the tender. This was added in case a crew member needs to use a garden hose and water from the tender for any reason.

May 2011

"What is happening here?"

The locomotive is being drained via one of the boiler plugs on the firebox.

June 2011

"Do you know where 4449's bell is located?"

The bell is located on the front of 4449, under the smokebox. It is concealed by the front platform and the grill under it.

July 2011

"What is the crew doing with the water pump?"

The answer is: c, conducting a federally-mandated hydro-test.

August 2011

"Do you know what this is?"

That is the grease gun, which we use for pumping grease sticks in 4449's siderods.

September 2011

"Do you know what this is?"

This is the coupling under 4449's cab, which couples the locomotive and tender.

October 2011

"Do you know what this is?"

This is the electric motor that drives 4449's mars light in a figure-8 pattern.

November 2011

"Do you know what this is?"

This is the area between 4449's tender and the first passenger car. The coupler is found at the upper-part of the image, and the air hose and steam line follows below.

December 2011

"What's in the box on back of 4449's tender?"

The answer is: b, connections for multiple-unit cable.