Morning Light in Evanston. The sun has been up in Evanston for just about 45 minutes but the fires in UP's two heritage steam locomotives were re-lit hours ago and both engines are building pressure for an 8AM departure to Rock Springs. Unlike coal-burning locomotives, which are typically kept hot all night, either through continuous attention from hostlers, or by building a "bank" in the firebox, oil-burners like 844 and 4014 are generally shut down completely. The insulation around the boiler keeps the water quite hot, so it only takes a couple of hours of firing in the morning to get the engines ready to work. Even coal-fired engines aren't ready to work immediately, as they typically require shaking the grates, cleaning the ashpan and building a new fire. In that respect, oil-burners require somewhat less work and are significantly cleaner, because they don't leave behind a pile of "engine poo"....something I am sure the folks in Evanston appreciate!
