Norfolk&Western Y-6 2156 at St.Louis, MO.

[Anonymous]

As a N&W fan, can anyone tell me if the Y-6 at the "Museum" in St.Louis is in such a state that it could be restored? I live halfway across the country, and have only seen this locomotive in person once, that was 1978. I think that 2156 would be a perfect companion to 1218, should cooler heads prevail, and we can ressurect what was thoughtlessly abolished almost 10 years ago.
If I won the "Lotto", I would immediatly retire, and spend whatever it took to send another Y-6 over Blue Ridge Summit, with serious tonnage behind her. 1218, and 611, would be perfect "sidekicks" for the ultimate N&W steam resurrection!
O.W.L. Would be proud!
Todd Cline. And yes, I AM just wishing......

[nfmisso]

Todd;

Anything is restorable, it is just a matter of $$$. It would not be an easy job. It has been cosmettically restored at least twice, and now sits under roof.

Don't forget about 2050 at the IRM in Union Illinois.

Nigel

[cbq9911a]

N&W 2050 at IRM is restorable with the right amount of money and a shop that can handle it.

With a top speed of 40 MPH, 2050 isn't the best fantrip engine, but it would work out on IRM's trains (aside from issues of size and fuel consumption).

[dknelson]

I think the engine at Illinois Railroad Museum is actually a Y-3, and thus probably even more of a drag engine than a Y-6b. I'd love to see one at 40 mph but I imagine there could be some track damage at that speed.
My understanding is that the N&W did visit the engine with a thought to rebuilding it but decided to go with the 2-6-6-4 instead.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

There was a thought to restoring 2156 in addition to 1218 and running them double headed over Blue Ridge just like old times. But that was far, far from feasible and never more than wishful thinking. 1218 was already in Roanoke and availabale for restoration. There was also an attempt to acquire E2a 578 from the museum in Worthington, Ohio, but that also was not feasible and not done. Time has shown that it was better not done. The Providence that watches over those who mean well guided the way around what would have been a financial and operational disaster.
Regards and have a safe day. gdc

[Locojunkie]

I too am a N&W fan. I would like to see N&W Y6b #2156 on home soil. I have mentioned this on several occasions to The Virginia Museum of Transportation. I mentioned that there could be "Trade" of N&W #2156 for the NKP Berkshire that belongs to VMT. Im not sure that The St. Louis Museum would likely give up #2156 anytime soon. And I can't say as I blame them. #2156 is the only remaining Y6b existing. And the VMT is currently busy restoring Class A #1218. And all of their attention is focused on that project. It would be very nice to have the stablemates under one roof. Do not forget that there are 3 Class M's rotting away in a Roanoke Scap yard as well. That too would require a lot of money to restore as well.

[Anonymous]

Hey Al, let's go to Saint Louie, with a truckload of coal, and take matters into our own hands! (just kidding). Kind of reminds me of the old C.W. Mc Call song "Convoy", from the 1970's. We could break into museum grounds, steam-up 2156, and "cra***he gate" although we wouldn't be doing "98", we would be luckey to be doing "8"!
Yea, 2156 is probably going to stay imprisoned in the museum forever, but it's nice to fantasize once in a while too.... What the hay, at least we still have a couple of examples of N&W super steam that we can look at. The Y's were my favorite, but the 1218 sure filled the gap, although for too short of a time. I sure wi***he Claytor brothers were still around, Damn, they were the last of the great ones.
Not to get technical, but I believe that 2156 is a Y6-a, not a "b".
Let's just hope that ALL retired steamers will eventually get a reprive.
Todd C,.

[Anonymous]

2156 is a Y6a rather than a Y6b. The three M's are without tenders and the sidings they are on have long been abandoned. There is also a W with them. Don't hold your breath for any of that.
Regards and have a safe day. gdc

[UPTRAIN]

CRA***HE GATE DOIN 8 I SAYS LET THEM Y6a CLASS LOCOS ROLL!!! 10-4 I personally don't agree about the trade for a Nickle Plate Berk because they already have one from the C&O But the 2156 is restorable and cosmatically it is great I will check with the Frisco 1522's crew and find out about boiler condition! Sounds good to me!!!

UPTRAIN

[Anonymous]

I think you responded to the wrong post. I hope 2156 remains where it is. The Virginia Museum of Transportation can't take care of what it has much less something else. Besides, I don't believe 2156 is moveable. Seems I read somewhere that it was damaged in the St. Louis museum.
Regards and have a safe day. gdc

[Anonymous]

As long as we are on the subject, does anybody know where I might be able to get a CD of Winston Links "Thunder on Blue Ridge"? I bought the LP as a kid, still have it, but I no longer own a record player. (even if I did, it is scratchy).
I'll even buy a copy, if anyone has one.
Todd C.

[Anonymous]

im an N&W steam fan , wondering if anyone out there has copies of home videos of the 611 or 1218 from the excursion service between 87 and the end, especially anything from the Conneaut to Buffalo trips,
if so could you contact me at
[e-mail]
thanks a bunch

[Anonymous]

You see there is only one problem with all the ideas of restoring steam I've seen on this forum: it isn't just a matter of money but a matter of finding parts, finding a shop capable of rebuilding a locomotive, you have to find a way to get it to a shop (most Class 1's won't move anything without roller bearings), you have to find someplace to run it long enough to make this restoration worthwhile, and that is beside the simple logistics of rebuilding a steam locomotive to working condition. There have been situations in which restorations of locomotives have become political and torn groups apart no matter how dedicated.
ConnottonValley2652

[Anonymous]

Sir, I have heard that insurance for a steam locomotive has gone through the roof. That is why most tourist lines are not running steam any more. Is this true?
TIM A

[Anonymous]

I am unfurling my umbrella as I write this. It seems that too many people are raining on my parade. Gloom and Doom everywhere, except Cheyenne. Don't ya just love insurance companies?
Yea, your'e in good hands with "we-gotta-rip-these-freaks-off" Cause they'll pay.
I sure wish Bob and Graham Claytor were still with us......
Todd C.