LET'S PRESERVE A MOVIE STAR (Locomotive that is)

The October 1999 RAILPACE mentions that Canadian commuter operator STCUM (Now Agence Metropolitaine de Transport) has a small fleet of ex ex-CP FP7's including #1300.

According to my notes, 1300 is ex CP FP7A 1426/4070. CP 4070 of course had its 15 minutes of fame (or maybe more) as the lead unit in the 1976
movie, "Silver Streak". The unit is mentioned as being stored unserviceable, but intact.

Just wondered if anyone has considered preserving this "celebrity" engine, possibly even in its "AmRoad" markings from the film, which is a classic. The locomotive would be best in a museum
stateside as the movie was set in the states, and would probably be kept in far better condition here. Maybe someone could approach STCUM about
this locomotive. The locomotive is in need of restoration; from what I'm told, its biggest problem is rust, mostly in the areas of frame. The
prime mover would also need overhauling as well as related components.

7 new F59PHI's have been arriving to allow retirement of the FP7's.

Sincerely,

Rob Piecuch
Director,
Chemung Valley Railway Historical Society
Elmira, NY

rpiecuch@servtech.com

Lets strip the shell, restore it to Amroad markings, and place it in the main waiting room (or the 'Great Hall') of Chicago Union Station. (Those who have seen the movie will know what I am refering to) I am not being entirely serious here: but I think it would be a nice display for travelers passing through, and a conversation piece for all of the black-tie events being held evenings here. Were such a placement to occur, it could be repainted periodically to represent railroads that did operate out of CUS, or Chicago for that matter. (However, I think it would look even better restored and running in Canada)

Tom

This unit has been heavily cannibalized, in addition I believe it MAY have already been ear-marked for preservation at Delson.

> LET'S PRESERVE A MOVIE STAR (Locomotive that
> is)

> The October 1999 RAILPACE mentions that
> Canadian commuter operator STCUM (Now Agence
> Metropolitaine de Transport) has a small
> fleet of ex ex-CP FP7's including #1300.

> According to my notes, 1300 is ex CP FP7A
> 1426/4070. CP 4070 of course had its 15
> minutes of fame (or maybe more) as the lead
> unit in the 1976
> movie, "Silver Streak". The unit
> is mentioned as being stored unserviceable,
> but intact.

> Just wondered if anyone has considered
> preserving this "celebrity"
> engine, possibly even in its
> "AmRoad" markings from the film,
> which is a classic. The locomotive would be
> best in a museum
> stateside as the movie was set in the
> states, and would probably be kept in far
> better condition here. Maybe someone could
> approach STCUM about
> this locomotive. The locomotive is in need
> of restoration; from what I'm told, its
> biggest problem is rust, mostly in the areas
> of frame. The
> prime mover would also need overhauling as
> well as related components.

> 7 new F59PHI's have been arriving to allow
> retirement of the FP7's.

> Sincerely,

> Rob Piecuch
> Director,
> Chemung Valley Railway Historical Society
> Elmira, NY


Old Time Trains
oldtimetrains@rrmail.com

> This unit has been heavily cannibalized, in
> addition I believe it MAY have already been
> ear-marked for preservation at Delson.

Has anybody checked with CRM at Delson? If it has been stripped, I would like to see them or any other museum in Canada acquire the shell, plus enough parts for an operational restoration.

As I recall, #4070 appeared in some CP advertising for "The Canadian" during the 70's.

Incidentally, the crash scene in "Silver Streak," supposedly Chicago Union Station, was actually filmed at Toronto Union Station. The Cara shop briefly seen in the movie gives it away, so Chicago Union Station would not have any real significance to this engine. As an avid CPR fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie!


kevingillespie@usa.net