This saga reads like a Greek tragedy. When she was running, if someone said all this would happen, nobody would believe it.

I was thinking precisely the same thing as Mr Bishop.

When I saw 587, 611, and 1218 at the Asheville convention, it seemed like the beginning of a steam Renaissance. The future looks rather different for those three now, especially 587.

JR

Sure would like to know more here. Thought KY Steam was just providing space for storage, which may still be the case (unknown terms)? Anyone have a confirmed chain of ownership for any period if not the whole time since she was removed from the park?

Joshua

It was at ITM when it folded, article on Trains website from 2021: https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews ... um-pieces/
"The new owner of 587, who wishes to remain anonymous, plans for the engine to remain in Ravenna for the foreseeable future. Kentucky Steam will work closely with the owner as plans materialize for fundraising, and potentially transferring the locomotive into a newly-formed nonprofit designed specifically for the engine, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the meantime, Jason Sobczynski, KSHC Chief Mechanical Officer and CEO of Irvine Kentucky-based Next Generation Rail Solutions, will collaborate with the owner to develop a mechanical plan."

Apparently the auction is occurring due to unpaid storage fees from the current owner

Yes, I agree with Mr. Bishop also, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Hopefully it goes to a good home where it can once again operate. I don't remember hearing about any major mechanical issues that would be an obstacle in this engine's restoration.

John

I would think the biggest obstacle will be determining if all the parts are, in fact, there. Plus, it seems like all the major groups that would be interested in an NKP project already have other high dollar projects already in the works.

I wish them the best, but I have doubts it'll ever run again.

I’m glad to see it being sold and I think the most realistic fate is a cosmetic restoration. Age of Steam is a prime bidder off the top of my head, granted they are getting a little tight on space. I can’t honestly think of a viable organization for an operational restoration. If Fort Wayne hadn’t just picked up NYC 3001 in addition to 765 and their Wabash locomotive, I would say they would’ve been a prime candidate.
I’ve seen RRHMA thrown out, but I’m not sure it really fits there. They could definitely do it, but they’ve got plenty of projects as is.

AOS might work, but as stated, they're tight on space



If 587 were to head to Silvis, it'd be for storage

Who actually owns the 587 today?

So is the owner in debt for services? Why can't a viable NKP "Mike" simply be stored on an empty siding? The locomotive auctions for back rent seem mercenary to me.
There's another thread going mentioning Ed Streigel's foresight in saving several important steam locos from certain destruction. I'd have thought that would be the model rather than the exception.

I'm surprised that the present "owner" didn't try to sell or otherwise raise money.

Richard mentioned Ed Streigel's foresight in preserving equipment, including multiple Reading T-class locomotives. His facility was located in Curtis Bay, Maryland and had rail access via the B&O. I had the opportunity to visit his facility in the late 1970s, well after the T-1 locomotives had left the property, but he had a wonderful eclectic collection of various retired diesels of all manufacture. I particularly remember among the inventory, a PRR GE-44-tonner, the PRR 4200, an E7A locomotive, and one or two steam wrecking derricks, besides a yard full of various other locomotives. Back to Ed's foresight, though. Th e thing that made it work for him was he had the real-estate with adequate track space that he controlled for storing the locomotives, as well as the budget to supply his successful used locomotive and repair part business. Thank you Ed.

Today, the site in Curtis Bay has been repurposed into a medical recycling and disposal facility, and Streigel Supply, according to the Interweb, is now still in repair parts business, in Washington State.

"The eventual sale price will satisfy the unpaid storage fees plus court costs, and the remainder will go to the owner."

From the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. sight, so the owner is getting money from it.