Not sure who you talked to on that one, but the 3254 will be around for a while. It's finally performing well after some nagging running gear issues. Barring any unforseen issues it should be around for some time to come. The pacific is still down, waiting for wheel work so the 3254 will be the main power for the time being.

Oh yes, the NRHS funraising folks will be quick to point out that it's a B&M engine being restored, not a MEC unit.

There is no three engine clause.

Happy Trails

In fairness to the truth it's important to remember that the employees at Scranton(including the Superintendant) are Federal employees and in fact are very small cogs in a VERY big wheel. They have very limited latitude outside of day to day operating procedures etc., and therefore anyone who is seriously thinking about constructing a long term "deal" with the NPS had better figure on being at it a good while!
There is a very qualified outfit that in recent history has tried to enter into an agreement with S'town along these lines and it would be interesting and informative if they'd share with us their experience?? One of them posts here regularly so if he chooses to share I'm sure you all would find it very interesting.
As I've stated repeatedly, until/unless the NPS outsources the operation nothing significant will change. Unfortunate-but true!
Ross Rowland

The Lehigh Valley business car 353 is privately owned, yet it is displayed and occasionally operated by Steamtown. The ex-Long island coach "Good Vibrations" is privately owned and operated by Steamtown. It would be interesting to know what arrangements were set up in each case.