Gotta love that Doyle - always looking for his next project. He could pull it off, as he has so often. There is not enough NP steam around, neither here in the Northwest or anywhere else. I don't know much about the operation in St. Paul. They've had two Q-3 Pacifics for years and both are in pieces. I'd hate to see the 2152 used just for parts or end up like those other two.The folks in Yakima have an NP S-4 class 10-wheeler on the road to recovery but after the bitter end to the battle over their lease I think the future of steam in Yakima is very much up in the air.The Snoqualmie museum has no active steam currently. I know they're putting up a new building but I thought it was for setting up displays, rather than a mechanical facility. No doubt someone on this board knows the situation better than I do.Anyway, the City of Auburn has turned its back on its railroad heritage for some time now. Glad to see someone is still interested.

The Northwest Railway Museum is building several new facilities, the first of which will be used exclusively to work on cars and locomotives. There is a description on the web site: http://www.trainmuseum.org/RHC.aspConstruction started in October. Some progress photos are here: http://www.trainmuseum.org/Volunteers/C ... ion.htmThe Museum is still raising funds for this project. Please consider supporting the construction - locomotives don't fix themselves and require proper facilities to maintain. You can buy a membership or make a donation using a secure connection on the web site.

I wonder if this engine could be used on the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train. I'd love to see it crossing the Wilburton Trestle !

Actually... it was the other way around. BN promised Auburn that the shops and yards would remain open after the merger. They made no attempt to keep their commitment and the city was hit hard when the shops were closed, the facilities torn down, and much of the yard trackage removed.Much of Auburn's current revitalization is due to growth in the metropolitan area, and SoundTransit. BNSF, other than property taxes, contributes relatively little to the city (i.e. few or no jobs).From what I've read, the 2152 had been condemned, and was the most convenient locomotive on South Tacoma's scrap track when the NP decided to donate a locomotive to Auburn. It was in bad shape when it was donated, and it's condition has deteriorated ever since.

Brian:Thanks for setting me straight on some local history. I stand corrected.So does its current condition indicate it may not be a restoration candidate? That would bolster the thought that the group in St. Paul needs another parts source for their two Q-3's.Even if it goes to Snoqualmie for display, it will be better off.Thanks again, Brian.Scott