Thanks Tom. I know the very mention of the word "scrap" can send some railfans and preservationists into hysterics, but I remember the wise words of Herbert Bayard Swope...
"I cannot give you a recipe for success, but I can give you one for failure. Try to please everyone."
Wayne
ACY Tom ... 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. ...
...
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. ...
Steamtown's excursion route is over the Pocono Mountain grade (2% as I recall) and starts right from the yard. I think they use 6 coupled power just for short yard jaunts. The Reading 4-8-4 would be adaquate, and fit the region. Other than that, I think a 4-8-2 would best fit the theme.
Firelock76 looking at those pictures of 4070 in it's glory vs. what it looks like now
Yeah but take a closer look at my October 12016 photos. You'll see the boiler is chalked up. The Midwest group has a pretty good deal going, best in years. By renting out space in their roundhouse, they've managed to raise the cash to replace the roof that collapsed a few years back and they now are working to restore the damaged sections of the roundhouse.
Renting to the 2100 group has been rocky for them, but in the long run the benefits should be worth the headaches. So 4070 was outside to make room.
As for how this relates to Steamtown, maybe they need to look into the same kind of rental agreement so they can raise funds.
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
...And 4070 had rod bearing issues since the day the MRHF acquired her. MRHF and CVL ran their first trip in June 1975 but that axle bearing sidelined the locomotive part way through the trip. When 4070 was down for mechanical issues, the trains were often pulled by Chessie diesels from the regular pool since Chessie owned the line.
In July 1988 the Cuyahoga Valley Line got it's first diesel, ex-S,P&S RS-3 4056 and was used to pull the train northbound after 4070 had pulled it south. But the 4056 blew a crankshaft and was never repaired. (cannibalized and scrapped September 1996.)
In 1991 CVL elected not to renew it's contract with the Midwest Railway Historical Foundation which owned 4070 and the passenger cars used on Cuyahoga Valley Line trains. After that date, and really even before it because of all the sidelinings and power replacements due to that axle bearing, issues with Chessie and the unions, 4070 faded from it's role as the "Zoo Train" as Clevelanders called it, into the twilight zone of myth and legend. "It's in some warehouse downtown" or "It's not here anymore" was what I heard whenever I asked people in the community about it. It didn't resurface officially until the roof caved in on her.
Source, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad by Craig Sanders, Arcadia Publishing 2017.
Thnaks for those updates Becky, I was sure if anyone knew what was going on with 4070 you would!
Any steam running at Steamtown would be great. The 0-6-0 is a nice start - relatively economical to run. Maybe if operational costs are a concern one of the mid-size units would be best such as the Maine Central 2-8-0.
I know the B&M 4-6-2 keeps edging closer.
Actual steam at Steamtown in addition to the 0-6-0 would make it a much richer experience.
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