<P>I long while back in the L&RP Magazine there was an article about the rebuild of Missouri, Kansas and Texas 4-4-0 #311 at the National Museum of Transport in St. Louis. Has any progress been made, mechanical problems encountered or just a lack of money? I can't remember if the SLSTA (rebuilder, maintainers, and operators of the Frisco 1522) had taken on this project. If this is the case, I understand. The SLSTA has had their work cut out for them with the re-rebuilding of the 1522 as their web site shows! Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. By the way, congrats to the SLSTA on the first successful run of their rebuild beauty!!<br>




Hubbard5004@msn.com

<P>This loco was examined with the thought of restoration over five years ago, but no decision was made to proceed with the project. It was thought to be a candidate because it was reboilered in 1925, making it a reasonably modern locomotive. It is being repainted this summer, and some cosmetic restoration work will also be done. The report in the magazine was quite premature. Sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear, but, as you suggested the St. Louis Steam Train Association has had its hands more than full lately. <br>




rdgoldfede@aol.com

<P>Ron, Thanks for the update. I am glad to hear that it is seeing some cosmetic attention. The updated 1925 boiler is good news for future operational possibilities. <br>




hubbard5004@msn.com

<P>I don't want to mislead anyone. Current policy at the Museum of Transportation does not forsee any operational restoration of another steam locomotive. We need to protect our collection with sheds, if not proper buildings, far more than we need to devote tremendous effort and expense and then have another locomotive to maintain. The MKT loco is really too large to operate in the confined space we have available, and it can only handle a few cars on a main line, making its operation uneconomic. At some point we may consider restoring an 0-4-0T for use within the museum, but any others are very unklikely. As I tell visitors with some frequency, if we could afford to fix more locomotives we could also afford buildings, which will come first as they are needed more.<br>




rdgoldfede@aol.com