Hello all,
Since the May 2009 edition of Trains Magazine's theme is steam locomotives, I think that the time is right to post this topic.
Many of you are familiar with the ATSF 2900 series steam locomotives built by Baldwin. For those who aren't, this is a 4-8-4 locomotive. This link, http://www.wheelsmuseum.org/2912.html will give a good background of it's history.
This link http://www.pueblorailway.org/Assets/ROSTER/ATSF%202912.htm shows where it currently lives. The problem with these pictures is that her condition is not even close to how it looks today. The drive rods are removed and it's slowly wasting away.
Current estimates show that it will cost about $3.5 Million to get her barking steam again. Just for a cosmetic restore, it will be about $500,000.
What do you all think? Is it worth trying to get money raised to restore her back to operating condition? Many of you ask about where it could operate. While that is still up in the air, I do think that if 2912 was to run again, it could be used for special holidays and excursions. One great idea is using it to pull the Royal Gorge passenger train on the 4th of July. At this point, it's still speculation, but I think that it would be something worth considering.
For me I would love to see this engine under her own power again, I remember seeing her years ago in the early 80s when I was stationed in Fort Carson Colo. Trust me if i had the funds to donate I would. But the problem with the running on the Royal Gorge route I think would be her weight on the rails But It would be awasome to see her run again Larry
It would be worth it to see her working again, that's for sure. To date, this has had mixed results. I do think it would certainly wake up a lot of people. Imagine this showing up at some of the major rail shows all over the country.
If the question is posed from a purely economical standpoint, probably not worth it. We should agree on what the word "worth" should mean in this thread. Sentimentally, those who would benefit from, or find pleasure in, its ressurection would be the ones to establish the various critera of "worth".
Would it mean a substantial upgrade to its stomping grounds as well? Would that be an additional cost to the figure quoted above?
I'll answer as I can. I am always in strong favour of the preservation of any viable steam locomotive. Were it solely up to me, and had I the means, I would have steam running everywhere for attraction purposes (not convinced yet that revenue on the mains is even thinkable). Except for those with deep pockets, though, it must be a cooperative effort among many. That brings about its own set of problems. Look at poor old Pennsy 1361, languishing with her skirts down around her knees someplace.
The New Mexico Steam Loco Historical Society is already restoring a 2900 class 4-8-4 to operating condition, #2926. I guess there is nothing wrong with two identical steamers being restored at the same time, but if it were me, I think I would try to find an engine that doesn't have a sister engine soon to be in service, which may take away some of your revenue. Me thinks you would also be money ahead finding a more complete engine to restore. There are still plenty of restorable large loco's in this country that can be restored. Of coarse I don't know what it would take to get your hands on one.
On a side note, It appears as though the 2912's boiler has been striped of all the appliances, retractable stack, domes and nearly everything else. Is this stuff stored somewhere? Or would these parts need to be fabricated?
John.
The best news is that yes all of the parts are intact and being stored. The retractable stack is still in place.
if it were up to me i would bring her back to steam no mater what the cost or if a sister is being restored
onequiknova The New Mexico Steam Loco Historical Society is already restoring a 2900 class 4-8-4 to operating condition, #2926. I guess there is nothing wrong with two identical steamers being restored at the same time, but if it were me, I think I would try to find an engine that doesn't have a sister engine soon to be in service, which may take away some of your revenue.
The New Mexico Steam Loco Historical Society is already restoring a 2900 class 4-8-4 to operating condition, #2926. I guess there is nothing wrong with two identical steamers being restored at the same time, but if it were me, I think I would try to find an engine that doesn't have a sister engine soon to be in service, which may take away some of your revenue.
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