Mikado 141R568 in Switzerland

[ACY Tom]

According to an ad in July Trains (p. 12), this loco is for sale. I've always been partial to the 141R's, which were built in the hundreds by Lima, Baldwin, Alco, and Montreal to help rebuild France's railway system after WWII. The engines were evidently somewhat smaller versions of the USRA light 2-8-2, with modifications for European service. I've always thought it a shame that nobody ever thought to bring one back to the land of her birth. Is it possible that this could happen? Does anybody have information on this engine and her status?

[Overmod]

There is a long thread on this over at RyPN (with a cryptic title about ignoring cost and logistics).

If you have the odd million and a quarter (reduced from a million and a half) it should be possible to bring it over here for less than $100K shipping -- some indication that the shipping might be 'donated' or assisted.  The locomotive is notable in part for being one of the partially Chapelonized examples (apparently lacking only the Kylchap front end, which could be built comparatively easily if wanted).  I am not sure that there is enough appreciation for this particular class in the United States to justify the expense.

I confess that if I had that kind of money to spend on steam, I'd use it on 614.  That is not to belittle 568.

[ACY Tom]

From what you say, the money situation is about what I had feared. Too bad. It's a significant design. It seems like the flashy stuff gets all the attention, to the detriment of other worthwhile projects. Guess I'll just have to keep buying lottery tickets if I want it to happen.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

The 141-R is a significant but hardly an outstanding design.  The significance lies in the fact that it is a straightforward and fairly ordinary North American design that thrived in the France of de Glehn compounds, Andre Chapelon experimentals, etc.

[Firelock76]

Considering it's in Switzerland, does a free box of chocolate come with it?

[ACY Tom]

I realize the 141R's broke no new ground in steam loco development. Quite the contrary. They were very basic engines, designed around well-established principles. To me, their historical significance has more to do with the international climate that brought about the rebuilding of Europe's infrastructure with the help of the U.S. and Canada. I think they are important because they are emblematic of a unique era.

[54light15]

I think they're spiffy looking and one in N scale would be awesome on my layout. Can't afford one, though since they go for over One Thousand Bucks! Jeez!