E.P. Ripley still AWOL?

[Steve DeGaetano]

The last thread I've seen about the missing E.P. Ripley was back in 2018. Does anyone have an update about what the issue might be?

[altosax18]

I went to the parks in May and July and the E.P Ripley was obviously not out and not able to been seen in the roundhouse as you pass by. Unfortunately I was not able to talk to the steam crew due to the COVID restrictions. Hopefully I can get some info on the Ripley once I get the new Disneyland Magic Key Pass on 8/25 and start going regularly again.

The last time I talked to the steam crew in March 2020 they said it was waiting for Disney electricians to start work on rewiring it. They said no work was done on it after getting a new paint job since Disney electricians were occupied working on Star War: Rise of the Resistance. Hopefully they start work on it again since no progress could have been made till recently after the park closed in March 2020.

[TFN5459]

The last thread I've seen about the missing E.P. Ripley was back in 2018. Does anyone have an update about what the issue might be?

I've also heard what altosax18 said as well that it initially was electrical issues, needing to redo all the wiring for the engine after the electrical systems were damaged during some work being performed on the engine. However, I've also heard that there are more issues that have since developed since the engine has sat. Not sure on the specifics but it's rumored to need some kind of work to the boiler, tubes or something of the like that is a larger undertaking. I'm not sure how credible those leads are, but given that it's been sitting more or less since 2016, would not be surprised in the slightest if that was the hold off.

On a side note, the Holliday has also been stored or at least inactive for quite a while too. It was taken out briefly during the reopening testing phase of the railroad back in the April of this year, but hasn't been seen since, with the railroad just rotating through the three Baldwins.

[daedalus]

I hear it's out for refurb, don't expect to see it for awhile.

[altosax18]

The last thread I've seen about the missing E.P. Ripley was back in 2018. Does anyone have an update about what the issue might be?

On a side note, the Holliday has also been stored or at least inactive for quite a while too. It was taken out briefly during the reopening testing phase of the railroad back in the April of this year, but hasn't been seen since, with the railroad just rotating through the three Baldwins.

Holliday is out today (10/16). I’ve been going each weekend since since Disney started selling Annual Passes again and this is the first time I’ve seen it out. Didn’t see it when I went in May or July this year either.

Last weekend I confirmed with an engineer that the Ripley is currently at Hillcrest and will be gone for 18 months at least.

[S. Towler]

A couple of social pages have seen the Ripley back at the park, visibly sitting in the roundhouse! Another has reported after hours testing.

[Steve DeGaetano]

Five years away from the Park? Dang.

[daedalus]

Five years away from the Park? Dang.

Hardly, it sat at the back of the roundhouse for a good 3 years with nothing being done to it other than it serving as a parking bumper when backing Excursion into track 4

[CP173]

The wheels at Disney turn slowly. I have no inside information on this, but I suspect this is how the Ripley repair progressed:

1. Crew says, "Number 2 is due for a major overhaul, the Band-Aids are no longer an option".
2. Management says, "Yeah, but there's no money". A year goes by.
3. Crew says, "We need to get it back in service so that we can pull other engines out for work".
4. Management says, "Yeah, but there's no money. We'll put it into next year's budget." A year goes by.
5. Management says, "OK, it's in the budget. Let's get bids." Six months goes by.
6. A vendor is selected and final negotiations take place. Six months goes by.
7. The Ripley is sent to the winning bidder for a tear down. A month or so later, they send a detailed report of what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost. Six months go by waiting for approval.
8. Disney approves the final bid. Work is complete in three months. Disney has multiple inspections and Number 2 is sent back to the Park.
9. Final re-assembly and shake-down trials begin. Two months go by and the foamers lather themselves into a frenzy with glimpses of the Ripley at the Roundhouse.
10. Ripley is placed back on the revenue roster. Foamers detonate. Some think it's the best it's ever been, others identify things that changed (even if they didn't), and -- somehow -- Walt is simultaneously proud and also would never have allowed this.
11. Crew says, "Number X is due for a major overall." The circle of life is complete.

[steveb48]

Ha! Well you got some of it right but you left out the world stops due to Covid!