How about this for the ready track at Steamtown 2020 for three operational steam locomotives? Ask for CPR 2816 back, finish B&M 3713, and then finish CNR 47 as CNJ 230.
Yeah, baby!
Yeah baby baby!!!!
Unfortuantely three new operational locos by 2020 is a steep order for an organization like Steamtown.
There is talk of Illinois Central #790 possibly being considered for restoration, in addition to that, I'd also like to see that Jubillee (4-4-4) with at least some paint and a roof!
Thanks for the list! Wouldn't it be something if it really turned out that we had all three in 2020?
[quote user="kgbw49"]
At least the Baldwin is back under steam!
That's a good start, you have to learn to walk before you can run.
Here is a video of CNR 4-6-4t 47 under steam at an original Steamtown operation in 1961.
It gives one a good idea of the possibilities for Steamtown if they ever would chose to bring 47 back in to steam.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TqAmm5WaZ-I
Firelock76, if you squint real hard it looks like a Central of New Jersey unit heading to the ferry docks.
I've got that video, and it sure does look like a Jersey Central unit!
As a matter of fact, I've read those Canadian 4-6-4's were the inspiration for the CNJ's units.
Just a coincidence, but as I type this I'm wearing a CNJ sweatshirt!
The subject of #47 has come up in the past, and my supposition is that since 47 hasn't run since 1961 there should be very little mechanical wear on the engine. Externally it does look awful, if recent photos I've seen are any indication. Of course, 56 years is a hell of a long time, and who knows what kind of shape it's in now, but I'd be willing to bet it wouldn't take much effort to bring it back. There's been a lot worse resurrected.
Yeah, I know about all the difficulties Western Maryland Scenic is having with 1309 and what a horror that's turned out to be, but at least 47's a lot smaller!
That was Steamtown's original operating locomotive when the museum opened in Vermont. The federal government stopped them from using it after a few weeks because all of the locomotives papers were lost in a roundhouse fire in Canada. No documents or inspection reports--no running. At leat that is what I have heard from multiple sources.
Quite true. Steamtown could have gotten 47 certified at the time if they were willing to do a tear-down for a complete ICC inspection, but with a good stable of operational steam engines available they (Steamtown) decided it just wasn't worth the effort.
With a restoration done now 47 would be properly "papered" and operating the engine would be no problem.
The icing on the cake is with 47 done into a faux CNJ engine Steamtown has a set of former CNJ coaches to use with it!
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
Groan....
At least they capped the smokestack. Looks like it's all there at any rate.
I'll tell you, if I won one of those "mega-gazillion" lotterys I'd pay a visit to Steamtown and say "Let's talk!" but then, wouldn't we all?
Hopefully this is a case of looks can be deceiving but it sure looks bad.
I recall a model railroad paint " weathering" set that produced those exact colours.
Decent collection of photos here: http://www.rgusrail.com/pascollection.html#cnx10a47
I like #47, she had a whistle that belied her size!
This is one that I'd like to see get some help:
N&W M2c 1151 at the VMT: http://www.rgusrail.com/vavmt.html#nwm2c115
But if I really could only pick one...
I want to see my hometown Mikado on the high iron again!
Hooo Boy...looks like a pair of tall orders. Surely there must be a raifan or two among the .1%. How do they do it over in England?,...seems they have quite the Jurassic Park thing going on across the pond.
Miningman How do they do it over in England?,...seems they have quite the Jurassic Park thing going on across the pond.
How do they do it over in England?,...seems they have quite the Jurassic Park thing going on across the pond.
Lots of people, lots of money (grants), and lots of track to run on.
Over here grants are comparitively few and far between, fewer people are involved and there is far less track available to run on.
The British seem to have a far greater appreciation for their history than the general public over here.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
Supposedly #475, the N&W 4-8-0 "Mastodon" at the Strasburg Railroad wasn't in much better shape than the one just pictured.
I remember an article back in the 90's in "Locomotive and Railway Preservation" magazine about it. According to Linn Moedinger of the Strasburg the think was practically held together with baling wire, and there were so many "quick n' dirty" welded repairs that, according to Linn, the "...welding rod salesman in Roanoke must have been driving a Caddillac!"
So, worse cases have been brought back to life! Maybe there's hope for 47.
What RR was that mikado with the missing driver pair and cylinder heads from?
We may have to hear from Penny Trains on this one, but I think it's a former Grand Trunk locomotive, and I think it last ran on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic.
I look at that mess and I wonder, just what the hell happened?
Grand Trunk Western 4070.
Here is what it looked like in working order:
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/locomotive/images/e/e9/GRAND_TRUNK_WESTERN_-_STEAM_ENGINE_4070_AND_TENDER_-_1969.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170524210454
https://www.flickr.com/photos/trainplanepro/11204167794/
Grand Trunk Western steam of all wheel arrangements was definitely telegenic.
In happier days:
http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?road_number=CVL%204070
http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?road_number=GTW%204070
Appears to be waiting funds for a restoration (I will let Becky fill in the specifics).
I'm looking at those pictures of 4070 in it's glory vs. what it looks like now and muttering "Jesus, Mary and Joseph!"
I guess I'm more Irish Catholic than I thought I was, that's something my mother would say!
Built by ALCO in 1918, 63 inch drivers, 200 PSI boiler pressure, 54,724 lbs tractive effort.
Enough punch to keep a sizable train rolling at 50 mph.
Here is some decent video of 4070 in action. Best view of the “sermon” is from the first pew.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lZXgsWpVrhY
USRA light mikado.
NorthWest USRA light mikado. Yes, but the tender is an unfortunate replacement. I think it came from Soo Line, but I'm not sure. I understand the group obtained a correct USRA tender for an authentic backdate; but that tender was scrapped (totally or partially) for some reason. There are some things I just don't understand. Tom
Yes, but the tender is an unfortunate replacement. I think it came from Soo Line, but I'm not sure. I understand the group obtained a correct USRA tender for an authentic backdate; but that tender was scrapped (totally or partially) for some reason.
There are some things I just don't understand.
Tom
The discussion started about Steamtown projects, and has moved on to include items that are outside Steamtown's control. I guess we could drift off into the realm of SR 722, C&NW 175, W&LE 0-6-0's, H&BTM 38, PRR 1361, PRR 4483, B&LE 643, the entire East Broad Top, and any number of others.
But if we can bring the discussion back to Steamtown, I wonder what is really practical. For their operation, a 2-8-0, 2-8-2 or 4-6-2 is probably the most practical. DL&W 2-6-0 565 is the most appropriate to the location, without question. RDG 2124 is a close second in that respect. I wonder whether it might be reasonable for Steamtown to adjust the composition of the collection in order to get more appropriate equipment or to finance the proper maintenance of the equipment they have. I am talking about trades and sales to responsible purchasers --- not scrapping. Their poor little Meadow River Shay, for example, is unlikely to ever get the respect she deserves under current ownership.
Tom, we've kind of discussed Steamtown and what they should do in the past, but there's certainly no harm in bringing it up again. I for one like spirited discussions.
It was my opinion that since there's no perfect solutions, only realistic choices, that Steamtown should get a little bit ruthless. By this I mean there's a lot of stuff in the collection in the backlot where the public doesn't go that's deteriorating to junk status for lack of funds. Thing's that can't be or never will be restored should be passed along to those who can take care of them either by sale or donation, and certain things should quite honestly be sold for scrap. I've seen shocking photos of some Steamtown rolling stock that's beyond all hope. Why have them there taking up space?
And not just rolling stock. Many museums tend to accumulate more artefacts than they can possible display. Why not sell them off, when the money that can be raised can be put to better use?
As I said, sometimes you just have to get ruthless.
Firelock, you and I are thinking alike. I hate to admit that you are probably right when you say some of their "artifacts" are beyond saving, and the sentimentalist in me wants to see it all saved and restored by people with the knowledge, skills, and resources to do it right. But we all know that is unrealistic. I'd just like to see something done to stop the deterioration of stuff they will never get around to restoring. Face reality and save what can be saved while it's still possible. If Steamtown can't do it, let it be done by those who can.
For my part, I just want to hear some good news on the Railway Preservation front in 2018. ANY good news.
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