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« on: April 03, 2023, 09:09:31 AM »
The State Fire Marshal’s Office gave Silver Dollar City the following recommendations:
Develop track safety standards for a 2-foot narrow gage track, as there are no standards
Install ties at a consistent spacing
Measure side bearing at set intervals
Correct and monitor the correct alignment of rails
Ensure and monitor joint bolts for tightness
Ensure weight is evenly distributed during passenger loading
I am unconvinc3ed that the Fire Marshal has any business whatever issuing any comments or recommendations on this issue, especially since they can't even spell the word gauge. I do not expect the necessary level of familiarity from inspectors whose job is in an entirely different field.
There ARE standards or the train would have fallen off the tracks at the first run. Gauge, for example, requires a certain level of standardization. Rail alignment is partly a function of the fish plates, but level of precision required is not that high.
One issue that can be pointed at the City is the fish plate bolts. They do require monitoring and retightening at intervals.
The passenger loading comment is, in Ozarkian, foolishment. I have watched and ridden the train more than most, and I have never seen a randomly-loaded car that evinced dangerous imbalance.