I would have to say look at each case on an individual basis. In the case of Big Boys, if there were only one left I would agree it should be in Cheyenne or some other appropriate place. <p>But, since there are eight of them do they all have to be in Wyoming? Would you then have to travel from NYC to Cheyenne for the pleasure of seeing one?<p>If it wasn't for 4018 in Dallas there is a fair chance I wouldn't be sitting here responding to your post. I went out to The Age of Steam specifically to see 4018 and joined to try and improve its condition.<p>So, although I think there is some merit to what you say, I don't see why an engine that operated in one location can't be preserved in another. Especially if remaining in its home territory means it'll get scrapped.



Railway Preservation News
hkading@rypn.org

Possession is not entirely rational. Many museums will insist until the day some piece of equipment rusts apart that they were the best caretaker for it. The more enlightened approach is trade or sell what is not important or can never be truly cared for. That's not a popular notion with "gotta have it" railfans.<p><br>