Since (from their viewpoint) FO261 were not reasonably treated by the NRM, it will be very interesting to see where the title to any new engine resides. In any case, I suspect excursions in the near term will be done with borrowed power such as the fall trip with SP4449.
On a slightly different topic, how reasonable is the 15 year boiler inspection/rebuild requirement in the case of an engine that is only fired a few times each year?
One issue would have to be size and speed (or is that two issues?). Part of the reason 261 worked so well was that it could haul a sizeable passenger train (10-14 cars) at mainline speed, so it wasn't backing up traffic on the CP mainline down the Mississippi River's west bank. A smaller engine or a freight engine might not be able to pull that many cars, or not do it fast enough.
The second issue would be related to how much work it would take to restore an engine, including how many environmental issues (like asbestos problems) were involved. Part of why 261 was chosen to be restored was it was a relatively new engine (built in 1944 IIRC) and didn't have too many environmental problems compared to some other engines they look at.
How about SR 4501? Since she was the queen of excusions in the 1970's
I would really like to see the "Q" hudson. But I beleive there is a FRISCO 2-8-2 in southern Illinois that is 1/2 restored . They ran out of money. So 1/2 the work is done so maybe they could finish that one?
265 is the only alternative to doing a milwaukee engine of its size and type.
261 was an unexpected newly restored engine to me, perhaps they should look for a completely different engine never restored before.
maybe look for the 643 Bessemer and Lake Erie 2-10-4?
Located at Glenn Campbell, vacant warehouse, "bottoms" section of, McKees Rocks, PA
unedited note, looks like someone is already working on that engine for restoration!
http://www.rr-roadtrip.com/BLE1.htm
maybe try for the C&O 2-6-6-2 at the B&O museum in Maryland.
They'll probably pick the one that best suits their operational needs, that is in the best condition, and made available for the right price.
Assuming the Friends of the 261 elects to rebuild another engine in the next couple of years, any guesses as to what they might decide to rebuild next? Here are a few engines to chew on, feel free to add your own.
A GN engine
A Burlington engine (preferably a Hudson type)
Milwaukee Road 265
Frisco 1522
N&W 611
Others?
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