Could a steam locomotive need less maintance if it used a heater instead of a fire?

[Vincent]

I have an idea, if a steam locomotive's boiler was heated by a metal heater instead of a fire, how much less maintance would be needed as it does not produce any ash or soot because it has no fire.

 

[JEFFERSON]

No I think the fire and ash is the easy part. all the moving parts would require the maintenance.

 

[Steve_in_SA]

And WHAT pray tell is going to heat your "metal heater"?