The Reeves boiler shown in this picture was one of those being
denied testing in Illinois prior to the change in Illinois law.
Senator Rigney is shown with the owner of the Reeves boiler that
was purchased in the state of Minnesota.
Boiler safety is a concern which we have addressed in past
issues. In our September/October 1983 issue, we discussed a
in our January/February 1984 issue, we featured some ‘Montana
Boiler Wisdom.’ Because of our interest in boiler inspections
and their effect on steam traction engine owners and exhibitors, we
recently received a letter from Harlan Rigney, an Illinois State
Senator from the 35th legislative district. The text of his letter
follows.
I want to thank you for your interest in the legislation that I
sponsored last year that, in effect, forced the Illinois Fire
Marshall to test old boilers that up until that time they had
refused to consider.
The Fire Marshall, by his own regulation, arbitrarily decided
that unless an engine bears the stamp of ASME, the engine was too
old and unsafe to be tested. I felt that this was nonsense and that
those individuals owning the old boilers should be entitled to have
their machines tested. We did not ask for a lesser standard, only
that they be considered on the same basis as machines bearing the
stamp.
This legislation was passed over the strenuous objection of the
Fire Marshall, but once it was signed into law he really had no
choice other than to inspect the old engines throughout the
State.
My interest in the bill came about as a result of a neighbor who
had purchased an old Reeves boiler in Minnesota and, after having
paid approximately $5,000 for the machine, found out that he could
not get it tested in the State of Illinois. This same boiler had
been tested and shown throughout Minnesota.
In Stephenson County, my home county, we have a large antique
engine show every summer. Last year was the first year that many of
these old boilers were finally allowed to enter. I know there was a
lot of pride and satisfaction on the part of these owners that they
were finally able to exhibit their equipment.
I believe that our bill was a good bill and in no way poses any
hazard to the people attending one of these events. I am not sure
what is done nation wide in terms of boiler testing, but if
departmental regulations, rather than law, are keeping the old
boilers off the show circuit, legislative action would prove to be
very helpful.
Again, I thank you for your interest in the new Illinois Law and
invite friends from throughout the Nation to attend our steam shows
here in Illinois.
