I know that many people feel that if they own the locomotive, what they do to it is their business, but...I would love to see the remaining T-1's together again, operable, painted in Reading colors, and serving where they were meant to serve. Apparently Steamtown isn't interested in rebuilding the 2124, but the 2101 is not beyond hope. I think this particular class of locomotive has more potential operatives than any other heavy engine in North America.
The converse it rue as well; if you have two operating examples of a class, why bother fixing up more of the same? I love delicious problems like this!


glueck@saturn.caps.maine.edu

> Pardon me if I vent, however, every time I read something about Steamtown and the 2124, it seems to be negative.

Interest is not the problem. You have understand that in a world where national politicians sell their souls and national secrets to get votes or money to advertise (lie), true "public goods" in the true economic definition (includes things like museums& national defense) all suffer.

The way to get elected is to have taxes levied to fund conspicuous, direct and personal transfers for the benefit of well organized, cohesive and energetic groups of voters. (AARP, Soccer Moms, etc)

We have to accept that for all the passion and significance involved in railroad preservation, we don't have a chance Rep. Joe from any big city chooses between Steamtown and cooing softly in the ears in of the AARP or his LOCAL concerns.

Its real simple. The NPS has limited resources. Before the energy crunch, there were staff losses due to attrition. Now its really critical thanks to the reemergence of OPEC and the awful heat contract steamtown is tied to.

You might say let the private sector help. After several years of fund raising, the B&M 3713 restoration still isn't fully funded. There was a group that promised big bucks and many hours to restore the NKP 759. It was all hot air. The little Baldwin 26 is idle since Dec '99. Out of all those engines, the 26 is most critical, given steamtown's mission and need to train crews.

The 2124 was retired from the rambles in '63 because of its need for heavy work. That's easilya 1.5 million dollar restoration, now that almost 40 years has gone by.

Now of course if one of us wins powerball, here's a great way to guarantee you'll not have to worry about long lost relatives.

Steamtown doesn't even top out the capacity of their pacifics - what economic benenefit would a big 4-8-4 provide? Good way to waste some slim supply of capital dedicated to rolling stock restoration.

It is a shame the shops aren't more active in Scranton, but at least the facilities are made available to the rest of us for a fee.

Dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

Ed Striegel's obituary from The Baltimore Sun.

Striegel Obituary
SZuidervee@aol.com

Wowak.Railfan.Net
mrwowak@yahoo.com

His name should be as revered in preservation circles as that of Nick Kovalchik of East Broad Top fame.

kevingillespie@usa.net