Maybe the MBTA would donate one of the screamers (or the 1016, as she lacks a prime mover) to the F40PH group. In my mind, there's all kinds of F40s, so even if it's not one of the Amtrak units, it's worth saving as it helps show the history behind the locomotive line, and it would show the diversity of the F40 type and the durability of the basic design.

Yikes! The first "Starblazers" reference I've seen on RYPN (or any other railroad discussion forum.) Well done!

I doubt there'd be a donation.

First, you're dealing with a government entity who won't need the tax write off, so that's going against them. Second, the F40PH group is an unproven entity with, what, three members, and what means to support the item? That's not going to instill confidence from any potential donor.

The first thing to do is not seek the donation, it's to build awareness, build up a war chest, and improve credibility. Once that's done, THEN it's time to seek donations.

You wouldn't want someone to say "here you go, here's your engine, get it off the property in 30 days" and not have anywhere to put it, and nobody there to do the work.

Obviously, you are "dealing" with some exposure that some of your own material has been used to produce. I think it's a valuable lesson. Don't put anything out there that could come back around and bite you in the butt. If you do, you had better man-up and claim responsibility.

I don't see anything wrong with the exposure. It may not be the most mature in its nature, but it's not negative exposure. Roll with it.