Anyone have any new information on the return of the 3254, the repair of 2317, or the status of either the prr or b&m locomotives ?

Quick update for ya:

CP 2317 - Out of Service - Possible running gear damage from a low speed derailment over an iced switch in December. (4-6-2)

CN 3254 - Out of Service - 95% Complete, waiting for paint, in paint shot since mid-october. (2-8-2)

B&M 3713 - Contractor, with steamtown shop assistance, making steady progress, still several years away. Cab removed, tubes out, asbestos removed, major boiler/firebox repairs underway. (4-6-2)

PRR 1361- Essentially the same story as B&M 3713. This locomotive i still several years from running once more, basically a hollow boiler on fram right now. (4-6-2)

Baldwin 26 - Out of Service - Needs new crown sheet. Down sice December of 1999, heavy repairs just begun.

Steamtown seems to be short on capitol these days, many rangers on extended layoffs, which might include train crew as well. Don't expect steam till at least May, instead of the usual April start-up.

Dave Crosby

bing@epix.net

From what I heard during a ranger-guided public tour during my visit to Steamtown last year as part of the ARM annual meeting only three of the engines are part of the Steamtown authorized operating fleet: CP 2317, CN 3254, and Baldwin 26.

B&M 3713 is part of the Steamtown collection but the restoration work is privately funded. The hope is that when completed it can become part of an expanded authorized operting roster.

PRR 1361 is not owned by -- or otherwise a part of -- Steamtown NHS. They are only providing shop space for this separetly funded overhaul.

Brian Norden

bnorden@gateway.net