OK with the approching 150 anniversery of the "Golden Spike" comming up. I think the NRHS, The rail magazines, and other preservation groups need to pool their resorces and lets have a real TrainFair. Just like the ones that were in Chicago when steam was king. Assemble all operating steam locomotives in one place, at one time. Think of it: a double header with 4449 and 611. or 261 and 844, Now that would be a TrainFair!!!
My list to include:
UP 3985
AT&SF 3751
SP 2472
SP&S 700
Sou 630
Soo 2718
NKP 765
That would be a fair!
Dave
Now that would be stunning! Kind of like the B&O's "Fair of the Iron Horse" from 1927 on steroids. I'd love to see it happen. The sesquicentennial of the Civil War seems to be a bust, maybe the "sesqui" of the Golden Spike might get people charged up.
Based on its increasingly desperate pleas for money, and a huge dues increase (coupled with a "if we lose a few members or lose a few chapters, so what?" response to objections by long time members) I do not think the NRHS has any resources to pool with anyone about anything.
The marvelous Train Festival in the Quad Cities in 2011 which did gather together 7 steam locomotives and a number of significant diesels, was not able to cover its cost and in fact failed to pay the host railroad. There was threatened litigation but I do not know what happened. The train rides were reportedly full so there is no much they could have done to increase revenue (although the 100+ degree temperatures did not encourage much shopping at the vendor tents).
While NS's new found regard for steam is encouraging, if anything the total list of steam friendly railroads has shrunk, not expanded, what with the new leadership at both the CP and the WSOR, and the unhappy experience the IAIS had in 2011. Moreover the UP is not regarded as friendly to non-UP steam, even steam that originated with a railroad the UP took over.
Dave Nelson
has Soo 2718 been restored? does it even exist?
Soo Line 2718 is preserved and on display at the railroad museum at Green Bay. Soo Line 2719 -- also a 4-6-2 -- was operating this spring together with the Milwaukee Road 261 when it came up to the Twin Ports. But in late 2013 the 2719 will be withdrawn from operation because it needs its major boiler repair and inspection. That is expected to continue through all of 2014 so get up to Duluth this fall if you want to see it run.
You did not ask but the work on Soo Line 2-8-2 1003 continues even thought the major work is complete. it had some problems on its break in runs. With the change of ownership of the Wisconsin & Southern however it is no longer clear if it has a friendly "host" railroad.
Why does such a fair have to be so heavily steam-oriented? Perhaps a better example would be the Railroad Fair in 1948 in Chicago. A little of everything was on display and a great time was had by all. While I would not discount a steam locomotive as a drawing card, it should be used as a come-on to show the world what railroads are doing now.
You know, you're absolutely correct, a present day Rail Fail should reflect present day railroading, what it does and what it can do.
However, there's absolutely no denying the drawing power of steam locomotives, especially if the proposed fair is to operate concurrently with the Golden Spike Sesqui-Centennial. Remember, people see diesels all the time, there's no mystery, history, or fascination there. For most people a diesel's a big "ho-hum", why pay to see one up close?
Firelock76You know, you're absolutely correct, a present day Rail Fail should reflect present day railroading, what it does and what it can do.
Freudian slip.
Overmod Firelock76You know, you're absolutely correct, a present day Rail Fail should reflect present day railroading, what it does and what it can do. Freudian slip.
Johnny
Whoops! Freudian slip no, just dirty glasses. 'Scuse me!
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