The snow has stopped for a while, although some has drifted across the tracks. The cargo is worth well over a million dollars, and any delay means missing the markets in New York City and Boston, and possible loss due to spoilage. The 758's steam gage is showing 215 pounds, but climbing nicely, and by the time the outbound crew arrives, they will have a hot, clean engine to work with. Someone is working on 763's fire while waiting for the tender water tank to fill, casting an orange glow across the scene.
Steam locomotives, like ships, have individual personalities.
The 763, on the left, was considered the queen of the fleet, the easiest to keep hot, and always easy riding. They will all be back out on the road earning revenue within the hour. Average idle time for servicing and turning these engines was under 1.5 hours, due to low-maintenance design and planned work flow. 758's train pulled in from Kansas City a few minutes ago with the 765, and is currently being spotted at the ice plant across the yard, to get the ice bunkers topped off. In this weather, it doesn't take much ice, but it's cheap insurance with a cargo this valuable.