There has been some discussion over the last 5 years about getting South Shore 803 back on the property to celebrate some anniversary of service. Just heard another rumor that this may yet happen. Don't know for sure, just a rumor at this point. But could be fun.
...and Elvis is going to run it!
Sounds great! Where to board?
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
I'd consider it to be less of a rumor and more of wishful thinking. While I would be more than willing to ride a fantrip behind South Shore 803, I don't think that it will happen. We don't know its current mechanical condition and moving it to a junction point on South Shore won't be cheap. What would be the endpoints for such a trip?, etc., etc., etc.
Just to be clear, we're talking about this:
The locomotive has been operational, in restored condition, at IRM for several years, so there is no real need for a 'Juice Up 803' campaign. I see far less difficulty in moving the locomotive from IRM to the Chicago area and back than there was, for example, in moving a N&W 2-8-8-2 from MOT to Roanoke.
In any case, let me repeat the procedure if you want to 'participate' in making this happen: a donation to IRM that has an earmark note for a particular locomotive WILL be dedicated to that locomotive in their accounting. (That has been specifically confirmed via e-mail.) I am certain that anyone 'setting up' for this to happen can establish a budget for the move, clear any internal politics, etc. and in any case, isn't it money well spent to have reserves for 803's care and feeding?
BTW, I see little difficulty in isolating some of the traction motors if there is a perceived electrical 'supply problem' -- I suspect a fantrip would require no more than four operating motors, so either isolating one truck or the outer motors in both (giving a 2-1'B'1+1'B'1-2 effective wheel arrangement for you nomenclatural nerds) ought to be practical if needed.
There is little 'wishful' in this; in fact, I think it's eminently practical as these things go. I volunteer to help with it if needed, in fact.
RME Just to be clear, we're talking about this: The locomotive has been operational, in restored condition, at IRM for several years, so there is no real need for a 'Juice Up 803' campaign. I see far less difficulty in moving the locomotive from IRM to the Chicago area and back than there was, for example, in moving a N&W 2-8-8-2 from MOT to Roanoke. In any case, let me repeat the procedure if you want to 'participate' in making this happen: a donation to IRM that has an earmark note for a particular locomotive WILL be dedicated to that locomotive in their accounting. (That has been specifically confirmed via e-mail.) I am certain that anyone 'setting up' for this to happen can establish a budget for the move, clear any internal politics, etc. and in any case, isn't it money well spent to have reserves for 803's care and feeding? BTW, I see little difficulty in isolating some of the traction motors if there is a perceived electrical 'supply problem' -- I suspect a fantrip would require no more than four operating motors, so either isolating one truck or the outer motors in both (giving a 2-1'B'1+1'B'1-2 effective wheel arrangement for you nomenclatural nerds) ought to be practical if needed. There is little 'wishful' in this; in fact, I think it's eminently practical as these things go. I volunteer to help with it if needed, in fact.
when I first encountered this 5 years ago the plan was that South Shore Freight was covering the entire cost as part of their celebration. Don't know if that's still the plan. All the 803 needs to get back on the SS is its air compressor back. It's currently operating with one from the NYC S Motor (600 V and all that). Here's some videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBJOfmGTpMA&sns=em from the last time Elvis came by!
I may not be able to paqrticipate,but I think it is a great idea,and it will do IRM, the South Shore, and Northern Indiana Comutor Authority a lot of good with favorable publicity. But it must be done very professionally with no gliches.
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