The recent listing of the 15-ton Porter for sale on Ozark had me talking with friend about the possible operation of the locomotive. Having looked into her before I am aware she only has steam brakes. This is a deal breaker for running on FRA regulated tracks. This has me wondering how many standard gauge insular operation exist?

Thanks,

As far as I know, BEDT #15 never had air brakes when in regular service, operating with steam brakes only. When in preservation, a 9-1/2" compressor was fitted for automatic brakes only. Now as Thomas, he has full air brakes on the engine as well as the automatic brake.

Obviously the FRA requires automatic air brakes on the train, but are air brakes required on the engine, or is the steam brake sufficient? I would think it would be.

Hallo Tom,
I expect you mean
...for running on "NOT" FRA regulated tracks...

Then your question could be

Where are the operational Standard Gauge tracks in the USA not regulated by the FRA?

am I correct?

There is maybe one in Ione, CA. The former Amador Central. Some sources say the
connection between the Ione wye and the UP loading point 2miles west is open?
The problem is I do not know how the crossings of state routes 104 and 124 are
classified, FRA mandatory routes or not?

Regards Uwe

@Kelly
I do not understand your answer.

Abilene & Smoky Valley might be one.

Bob

Some of the railroads associated with the steam traction and agricultural shows come to mind. Rollag, MN, Denton, NC, Freeport, IL, Williams Grove, PA. I'm sure there are others along with a handful private standard gauge railroads.

Alan Maples

Michigan has at least two: the Buckley steam-tractor show and Greenfield Village. The limestone-hauling railroads in the U.P. may be insular. The one at Port Dolomite at the eastern end of the peninsula is isolated and grade-separated, and appears to have no public crossings. The (formerly-electrified) one at Port Inland appears to have no public crossings but has a rail connection and may be switched by CN.

Aarne Frobom
Flux City, Michigan

I believe the Camp 5 Farm operation, the former Laona & Northern, is insular.

As a refresher regarding "insular" vs "non insular":

https://railroads.dot.gov/legislation-r ... -railroads

US Code regarding power brakes on locomotives: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/20302

Mike Ramsey

Roots of Motive Power Willits, CA
Timber Heritage Assn. Samoa, CA
Antique Powerland Brooks, OR

The Lancaster & Lincoln or whatever they're calling the Star Barn's thing?

Here's a discussion: https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/isolated- ... s-12197975

There are quite a few ore railroads in Canada not connected to the North American network, but many of those were built in the diesel era I believe and I think you mean during the steam era. Here is a steam-era line, Copper River and Northwestern Railway in Alaska: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_Ri ... rn_Railway which had among other locomotives this tank engine (I believe the 1922 photo, showing it derelict, is the same engine). One of the BNSF rotary snowplows originated on this line, abandoned in 1938.

Does this question extend to trolley/traction operations?

I know of a couple trolley demonstrator lines where there's no direct connection to the rail network and/or the only road crossings are supposedly "private roads," negating the need for crossing protection and regulation. Rockhill Trolley Museum's track ends before the crossing in Orbisonia, has one supposedly "private crossing," and I have been told crossing US 522 at the east end is not an option.........

I think another requirement to be insular, is not crossing a public road?

Unless something has changed that I'm not aware of, Shay #5 at Cass is still pretty much original as it has steam brakes on the engine and air brakes for the train. It runs under FRA jurisdiction.

I noticed the automatic valve in the cab was slightly different, and was told it is a H5 (not H6) as it does not have a holding feature. Positions are Release, Run, Lap, Service, Emergency (5 positions).

Anyone who is familiar with Cass knows that brakes are a priority.

The Norristown High Speed Line in Philadelphia technically fits your description.