Just saw this announcement from GSMR on their FACEBOOK page, no less. No mention of it on their website.

The blurb mentions the purchase of the loco and several coaches.

Not sure what to make of it. Glad to have steam again along the Murphy Branch, and am glad of GSMR's commitment to it; however, what might this mean for the poor ol' 722?

Matt Bumgarner

It's on the GSMR.com website now under "PRESS".

They purchased the Swedish steam engine, 9 coaches and a Budd RDC.

Matt

"There is also an ongoing effort to revive additional steam locomotives owned by the GSMR through a partnership program with a newly formed nonprofit group who will assist in the fundraising efforts for the restoration and continued operation of Steam Locomotives #722 and #1702."

Ugly little duckling imo
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=200602&nseq=70

Rather endearing, I'd say. I'd travel to see her run - if only the railroad wasn't 11 hours away...

Sad to see her go, but at least she's going where someone will use her. The facility at Unity, Maine, is really nice. What a shame it couldn't support itself.

I rode behind #1149 in Maine. She's a sweet little machine. I look forward hearing her work a little harder than the B&ML required. The Swedish trainset was pretty neat, too. Seems like a good move for GSMR. Godspeed, boys!

Rob

Well, that 4-6-0 will certainly be tested to its limits on the Murphy Branch. 1702 was pushed to and beyond her capabilities on a regular basis. I don't think they are running the 15-car trains like they were 12 years ago, but there are some good hills on that line even if you don't go over Red Marble Grade to Topton/Andrews.

Can't say I saw this one coming with GSMR being steamless since the end of 2004, but pleasantly surprised nonetheless.
Kevin

At the risk of missing the chance to try Lutefisk BBQ, is it possible this purchase might go to one of the railroad's other, less mountainous operations? Texas State is just hilly.........

dave

considering all the info is on the GSMR page (and the GSMR facebook page), it would appear it's going to NC.

This purchase really puzzles me. They buy a European locomotive for GMSR while the 1702 and 722 sit in pieces,then they want to buy a dinner train which is orphaned and most likely will have to be trucked to Texas and would have to have all sorts of FRA work done on them before it can turn a wheel there. Not being a party to their thinking process, it does leave me rather curious...

Uglier than most ugly ducklings. Agreed! It would be tough to make this one look more American.

Thus being the point--why try? I'd convert everything to US couplers for if no other reason than it makes life much easier if you have a problem out on the road, but other than that and some paint to match the rest of the fleet, let it be.

They say three makes a collection.

Wonder where they'll store the parts off 1149?

Ryan

Frankly, I don’t think they should try. A European consist like that is almost unique for an operation in the US. Heck, if nothing else, they have a shoe-in for a venue to do a “WW2 themed” train with re-enactors that actually looks the part, as well as something that movie crews might be using for background filming in the future. They could even make the transition for a Thomas-themed or Harry Potter-themed train much easier that way. Never underestimate the draw of the unusual.
Heck, the next time I’m in the part of the country, I’d love to go see this in steam because of its European looks!