Putting a full size engine on the property?

[Boyd]

Anyone ever done this? Someday when I can get a house out in the country.. Hopefully,,, if I can find one next to an active rail line and get a siding coming onto the property so I can have my own engine. I would like to get an SD40-2. I know all this wouldn't be cheap or simple. If anyone has done this or heard of it, fill me in. I bet a siding could cost $10,000 and a complete used SD40-2 more than that if it runs but I have read they can sell for less than $10,000 if its just a hulk. The main hurdle would be the neighborhood and local town/city council.

[FJ and G]

Just don't move into an HOA neighborhood! :-) . They'll railroad you out :-)

Why not just move a passenger train onto your property and live in it! You could also build a long shelf layout inside it.

[Anonymous]

It would be great to do, but, of course would be very expensive. If I ever get rich, I'm going to do this, too! If you're looking to buy a real train, check out these websites:

www.ozarkmountainrailcar.com

www.railmerchants.net

www.cabooses4sale.com

[cnw1995]

There's a full-size engine and business car under a long shed at a local business - there's been another engine - run by local gravel quarries - placed on a plith by the mine entrance that has been removed because it deteriorated over time. There are some Trains magazine articles about this from way back - usually it's more like a caboose - as I recall - you have to get all sorts of permits - you generally need lots of land in the middle of nowhere without complaining neighbors. prepare the site - making it stable. Then the item is trucked in - then craned into place - I'll look for the articles.

[palallin]

A local character has around a mile of track in his fields and a little Porter teakettle to run on it. Try for something like that.

[Jumijo]

A guy who lives on a cul de sac just outside of Las Vegas owns an old steam locomotive (1860's vintage, onced owned by Warner Bros). He restored it and the tender and keeps them in an engine house he built right next to his house. He loads the train onto flatbed tractor trailers to take them around the country and runs them on narrow gauge lines. It takes a 20 ton lift to move the loco and tender onto and off of the rails. If not mistaken, he paid $20K for it.

[FJ and G]

I like palallin's idea best. I'd rather forego a house and instead purchase a large tract of land and build a narrow gauge.

Who needs a house when you can be a hobo on your own RR

[cnw1995]

Why go full-size - try a live steamer! Ward Kimball had quite a private full-scale railroad - though it didn't go very far.

[Anonymous]

Unless that SD40-2 is terminally blown, you wont find one for 10,000

[eZAK]

Here is an idea,

Set up a tax exempt enity, like a musem or historical society.

This way you would have flexability with local ords. and may be able to get a donation from a railroad.[8D]

[AntonioFP45]

Boyd,

Stick to your dream!

It's ironic that I made a recent post on the TRAINS Forum that just like the E7 in the past, the SD40-2s numbers while still high, are rapidly shrinking and may become extinct......... but so few of us are paying atteniton. As most of us know, only one E7 is left in existence.

You would likely need to get a house in a country or rural area. If you are really serious then check out Larry's Truck and Electric in McDonald, Ohio. This is known as The Place to find 2nd generation GE and EMD locos. Use your search engine to find the website. This company has a huge fleet of used diesels. Some useable and some ready for scrapping. More than likely there are SD40-2s on the roster.

Check it out and please let us know what you decide to do. One problem that is against you is time! If you're planning this in the "long run", and won't be moving for a few years always keep in mind that in the meantime the useable locomotives are being traded in while the "rag jobs" are being scrapped....completely. Not too many regional railroads would want this six axle giant as by "today's standards" the high mileage 16 cylinder 645 diesel engines drink fuel like water and newer, used models like the GP50 and SD50 are now available on the market.

Financially in addition to the purchase prices, taxes, and transporting consider also that if a city or county is willing to let you put a locomotive on your property, they may demand that it look presentable. So prepare to spend some money on paint refinishing. As a former transit coach painter, I strongly recommend Dupont's Imron Single Stage Urethane. Santa Fe used this on the F units it preserved a decade or so back. It shines for years, even if you rarely wash and wax it.

Let us know what you find at Larry's!

God Bless and Peace!

[Boyd]

This won't be happening anytime soon as my income is nowhere near what it would take to do this. Plus I live in an apartment with my mom right now and am recovering from health problems. When I do get to buy a place I surely will try to find a place way out in the country. I grew up on a farm and the farther away from the city I am the better I like it. But I have always wanted to do something like this. There are a few counties and townships to the east of me in Wisconsin that don't get into a tussle over little things, but that could change with an election sweeping in some 60s tie-dye p.c. rebels.

Another thing I have thought of doing is taking a used motor home chassy and putting a low nose GP7, GP9 or GP20 body. It might be a challenge to get the cab down to 8 1/2 feet wide. The area from the sidewalks and below would have to be made from scratch as I'm sure that was part of the frame on the real GP that would donate the body. I'm sure fake couplers and truck sideframes could be made out of wood or ?
Could you imagine the looks you would get driving that down the highway?
Wooo boy that would be fun!!!

[AntonioFP45]

By the way, you may find this interesting. At this time, Jan 05, there is actually an Amtrak F40PH for sale in Ebay!! The "Buy it Now" price is $55,000.

Not bad, considering that a fully loaded Hummer costs even more.

[Anonymous]

the flying scottsman was for sale this past spring fully restored for 800k.. first steam loco to break 100 MPH i believe.... jeeeeeeez if i would have hit the lottery during that time..... :)

[Anonymous]

I have a feeling the EPA would have a little something to say about putting something that could potentially "harm" the environment in your yard. They already make a big stink about cars and tractors that sit out. Just imagine the response from a diesel or steam locomotive.

[Anonymous]

How about this idea. Create a development or town that has full size rails in the backyards that are fully owned by the people who live there. My idea is that there be a siding for anyone who owns a full size locomotive. And give timeslots so no collisions occur. It might be crazy or impossible but it sounds cool

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by blueriverspecial

I have a feeling the EPA would have a little something to say about putting something that could potentially "harm" the environment in your yard. They already make a big stink about cars and tractors that sit out. Just imagine the response from a diesel or steam locomotive.

Interesting point, BlueRiver.

Though he did indicate that he'd be willing to take a "hulk" unit. So apparently he's not interested in having it operational. So basically the unit would have to be completely drained of all motor oil, water, and hydraulic fluids and likely inspected and verified that there is no potential harm to the environment.

But then again, look at how many people park big trucks, tractors, or old cars for years with all of the fluids still inside.

Just a thought![;)][:D]

[Anonymous]

Why not buy a hand-car?[:D][:D][:D][:D]

[3railguy]

Figure $25,000 to $50,000 for a dead SD-40 if you can find one since they are prime rebuild material. Another $10,000 or so depending on distance to have it transfered and set on your property. $2,000 to $4,000 to have someone lay a track to set it on. A wrenched GP is much more affordable.

You mean a temporary spur to transfer. Otherwise there is no way in hell any RR would allow you to add a spur to their line unless your SD-40 was in full operating condition, passed inspections, you are a liscenced engineer, and are willing to lease rights to their tracks.

Ideally you could gut it and make a living space out of it.