There's a "flimsies" article that says SRR made the Little Engine that could-was this done to create an actual operable locomotive with the features of the literary character ala Thomas being made from the ex-BEDT engine and if so, what did you use as a starting point?

The little engine that could is not powered, it was completely fabricated by SRC, much like several non funtioning (non powered ) Thomas tank engines that were produced in the back shop.

Can anyone share any recent results of the little engine program? It's obviously an attempt to replicate the success of the Thomas program, but without the critically important national TV exposure that Thomas enjoys thanks to PBS-TV. I was told that its initial outings on the Great Smoky Mtn. RR in 2005 drew very small turnouts and am wondering if the promoters have been able to improve that recently??
Thanks, Ross Rowland