I don't think that RMPA takes too kindly to suggestions about what they should acquire and exhibit. As an example, I have suggested, both online and at the museum, that they acquire one of the EBT hoppers, and exhibit it alongside a standard gauge hopper. With one car, they could show the difference between standard and narrow gauge, pay their respects to the EBT and the rest of PA's narrow gauge lines, and to the coal mining industry. As a car from a PA railroad, and built in PA, an EBT hopper would clearly fit in with the museum's collecting criteria.

What would it take to do this? I would imagine that a hopper car could be had for little more than the asking, there are still plenty out there, and should be no trouble to truck a hundred or so miles. We're not talking about moving a G-motor here. Yet my suggestion so far seems to have fallen on deaf ears. A rare diesel, even built in PA, being trucked in from MI is even less likely to happen. I just hope the unit gets a good home.

EDM- If this discussion is falling on deaf ears, I guess it doesn't hurt to talk about it here because I assume they aren't reading this thread:) I fully acknowledge that I have no idea what it takes to just maintain and run the present condition as a first class museum.

However as someone involved in development work in the organization I work for, I can say that dreaming is an important part of vision casting and development work in an organization. Obviously, many if not most things may not gain any traction (pun intended), however new things will never happen if people don't dream and propose.

I know at times it annoys the professionals who use this board when some of us amateurs throw out our dreams and ideas (even when it comes with shovel fulls of ignorance). However, for me, that is part of what makes this site enjoyable. I get to throw out the occasional idea alongside some very respectable and knowledgeable people. And who knows, maybe one day one of your or my ideas may take hold and go steaming down the tracks towards becoming reality.

PS- I like your EBT idea, it certainly sounds as if it has merit.

It would be great to see the B-71 preserved as well as the B-73 has been. Although from the looks of it it will be a cosmetic restoration at best. I do hope it goes to a good home.

There is a third rare Armco Westinghouse diesel preserved at a museum, the B-70. It is at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth,Ga. It is in rough shape and is burried in the back of the shop and in need of a major restoration.
The B-70 was built in 1929, Baldwin-Westinghouse, for Butler Works of ARMCO Steel. Third diesel locomotive built by Baldwin-Westinghouse; first sold commercially; oldest Baldwin-built diesel still in existence. Has Pyrex windows to withstand steel mill temperatures. Originally had control cab on each end but both were later placed on the same end to accommodate a larger prime mover.
More B-70 info... http://www.srmduluth.org/Exhibits/b70.htm


NH