>Sure the thing isn't all that
> special, but you can't go for the gold all
> the time. It may just be a crappy engine
> now, but in fifty years, I'd guarantee you
> people would be glad it was saved.

They say I'm a dreamer, but I am not the only one...

Actually, I think that with the limited resources of our community, we would be better served by going for the gold before the gold is all a mound of ash and rust.

Maybe in 50 years we will miss these, if only to backdate one to see exactly how badly they derailed at speed. ;-)

I'd rather see the continuing efforts of groups looking to save rolling stock and locomotives that may not be with us for much longer than already have an historic pedigree. (Like the EBT cars fromt he S&S).

A "maybe we'll value it" kind of save is perfect only when there are excess resources. Right now, I do not know of many museums with those resources.

Rob



trains@robertjohndavis.com

Seeing a number of FL9s preserved is great. If they are all going to be painted in New Haven colors, that is conformity. If there are five FL9s, at least one could be painted in Amtrak colors. Just because they were built for the NH, you don't have to paint them in NH colors. Amtrak used the locomotives too. Do all restorations have to be backdated to as built? Why not as retired.

J.T.


jtjjtb@aol.com

> P.S. Has anyone considered the problems of
> converting an SDP40F back to Amtrak
> configuration? Certainly possible, but a
> good deal of work nonetheless. As Santa Fe
> freight engines, they're not all that
> significant.

Frank brings up a good point. Santa Fe modified the front of these locomotives with front platforms and freight style steps. Returning them to "as built" so an Amtrak locomotive could be represented would be a rather large job....

And not one I want to take on.

Todd Jones
IRM Diesel Dept.


milw104c@charter.net