I'm probably the last one to discover (just now) a (new?) website called steamrailroading.com

Anywho... they have a write up about Jack Showalter's equipment (ex-CPR G-5 4-6-2's 1238 and 1286 and coaches) having to leave its ten-year storage spot in Staunton, VA by November 10th. Apparently at that time Showalter's landlord, CSX, is turning over the storage yard to a new local shortline, the Buckingham Branch RR., who plans to use the yard themselves. The write up quotes Jack's daughter Sally in saying the equipment will be "most likely" moved to the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond for perhaps a years worth of display. The write up mentions a call for volunteer help to assist in getting the equipment ready for the move before the deadline. This is the first I've heard about this. Link to the write up is below.

Regards,
Jim Robinson

http://steamrailroading.com/ipw-web/por ... le&sid=146

Does anyone have a roster for Mr. Showalter's rolling stock?

I'm a little baffled here. I thought Sally passed away about 10 years ago.

As I understand it she was extremely ill ten, or so, years ago but is still with us.

Tom,

It's not a roster, but the equipment listing at the www.railtours-inc.com site seems to have a large number of pieces listed and described.

Regarding the Showalters and their equipment; Jack is moving a little slower these days, he is 78 years old now, but he's just as spirited as ever. Sally did have a bout with cancer a few years ago, but is doing fine now, and had a new baby about a year and a half ago. The equipment collection consists of the following, I don't remember all of the numbers: ex-CP G5 pacifics 1238 and 1286, ex USATC S-160 606 (stored in Goshen, Va.), 3 former RF&P heavyweight coaches, 3 ex VIA lightweight coaches, one US Army hospital car configured as a diner, one lightweight table car, I'm unsure of its heritage, one ex C&O GP-9, and one extended vision caboose. In addition, there are a couple of de-trucked hospital cars used as storage, many tools including a drop table, and at least one turntable. I'm planning on trying to spend a couple of Saturdays helping out.

What kind of shape are the Canadian Pacific locomotives in? Why haven't they operated in recent years?

Richard, The short answer on why the equipment hasn't been run recently is CSX. As far as the condition of the engines, I would classify them as very good, but not meeting current FRA standards.

Re: the CP steamers:

The major problems with the CP locos is a lack of place to operate, then the money and manpower to effect the necessary maintenance. I have been assured by parties that have worked with Showalter that if, just as an example, Disney wanted the rolling stock for a movie project and ponied up the money in advance, the equipment could be (theoretically) ready to roll and steam in six weeks or less. This would, of course, entail hiring in professionals to carry out the necessary repairs; this also assumes a somewhat chaotic cleanup mission, including repainting and window replacement and not necessarily demanding all the seating properly installed.

Unfortunately, given the age and reputed degree of eccentricity of Showalter and his crews, I predict that unless/until some "angel" such as a Disney contract or outright purchase comes into the picture, the equipment will continue to deteriorate faster than they can stay atop the repairs.

Hi All
One of the problems Jack's equipment has is the location they are at. It is a very seedy part of town where youngsters have plenty of rocks to throw. And they use Jacks Cars as target practice. When I was up there a couple of weeks ago one coach had over half the windows on one side broken that needs to be replaced. Yes it is a lot of work that needs to be done so the equipment will look good and that is why a lot of work is being done so it can be moved to Richmond and put on Temporary Display so the Press and Government Officials can get a good look too. (and hopefully be impressed)Once moved it may not recieve the colatteral damage it is getting now.
Andrew Martin

A few years back, there was a group up here in Southern Ontario that was planning to purchase the engines and operate them between Brantford & Waterford on track that didn't exist (for the most part). They were called the Brantford & Waterford Railway. They had an office on Market St. in Brantford, but about 4 yrs ago, they kinda disappeared. It would be nice to be able to repatriate some of these former canadian engines, but, that's not likely to happen.

I believe the steel, wide vision cupola caboose is C&O/ACR 903107. Roger