BBQ Class-Inaugural Run

Discussion in '4-8-2 Mountain' started by trainchaser007 (Brandon Adams RIP 9/22/2017), Dec 23, 2010.

  1. trainchaser007 (Brandon Adams RIP 9/22/2017)

    trainchaser007 (Brandon Adams RIP 9/22/2017) Passed away September 22, 2017

    The "inaugural run" of my 1/4 scale, SLSF #2229, 4-8-2 "BBQ Class," BBQ grill/smoker was made on 12/22/10. It "hauled" a "consist" of ribs from "Grocery Store Yard" to "Dinner Table Jct." for several family members who are in town for Christmas.
    The number, 2229, is a combination of the last 2 digits of the two locomotives that inspired me to build a 4-8-2 themed bbq grill/smoker. The first one is SLSF 1522 which inspired me because, to my knowledge, it is the only steam locomotive to run through my hometown of Sulligent, AL during my lifetime. The second one is SLSF 1529, which has never failed to turn my head every time I've passed by it for as long as I can remember.
    I first got the idea of a steam locomotive themed bbq grill at a "Day Out With Thomas" the Tank Engine excursion event at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, AL with my wife and daughters in the spring of 2007. The museum had their 1951 model EMD SW-8 diesel switcher at the rear end of the train for motive power so it appeared that the Thomas locomotive did nothing more than attract a crowd and blow smoke. I remember thinking to myself, "That (Thomas) is nothing more than a glorified smoker." For some unexplanable reason, over time, that thought grew into an idea.
    After burning out my 4th store-bought grill in 8 years, in Aug. 2009 I was ready to begin the process of building a steam locomotive themed grill/smoker. I completed it during the Thanksgiving holidays just a few weeks ago. After countless hours of planning, 1500 Class research, and building (which literally included scratch building and also kit-bashing from salvaged grill parts), the reactions from people who have seen it have been more than worth the effort. It is on display on our front porch...decorated for the holidays...similar to the way the city of Amory, MS decorates the 1529. The fact that it worked great as a grill/smoker today was very rewarding. I promise to post a video link of the grill in action very soon. In the meantime, here is a photo for anyone who may not have seen it in one of my earlier posts. http://www.frisco.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=12241&d=1291336282
    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - Brandon
     
  2. railroadpete

    railroadpete Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Can you cook me up some bacon off the boiler, on the fly, just like old school?

    -Pete
     
  3. friscomike

    friscomike Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Howdy,

    Looking good to me. Serious BBQ for the whole crew could be made on that behemoth!

    Best,
    mike
     

Share This Page