Our group (the Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources) is trying a different approach, in a sense sharing steam locos.

We are a small museum dedicated to preserving wooden railroad cars, built and/or used in California. We focus on narrow gauge equipment.

We now have 18 “historic” cars, (plus 2 non historic utility cars) the oldest built in 1874, the newest (3) built in the 1920’s. We operate a 1.5 mile long demonstration railroad using draft horses to pull our trains, as did a local branch of the South Pacific Coast. We also have two gasoline engines available for rainy days.

For the last 5 years we have hosted visiting steam locomotives. These have been smaller, 7-12 ton privately owned locomotives, including a 1889 Porter and a 1891 Baldwin. We have been in communication with 4 other owners of similar small locomotives. Typically the loco is on site for about a week, over a 3 day weekend. These locos are all small enough to move without difficulty. In the future we plan on having inside storage which will allow the locomotives to stay for longer periods.

This works well for us, because; 1) we don’t have a steam program of our own, and are not interested in starting one, 2) we have a nice little railroad which allows the owners of these locos a place to run. 3) we are narrow gauge, and suitable for these small machines. 4) we have a “normal” operating model that does not use steam so steam is a novelty for the general public.

This has allowed our group to continue to focus on our collection of cars.

Can you share more about your arrangements with the owners? Who pays transportation and who covers liability on the locomotive when it is on your railroad.

Wesley

If the locomotive is there for our convinence (for example to support a special event) we pay for transportation and provide fuel.

We have a general insurance policy which includes steam operations. The owner of the visiting loco may provide additional insurace at their option and cost (one has)

If on the other hand, the loco is there for the owner's convinece (for example for shake-down tests, or to demonstrate it for a possible leasor or buyer) then it is on the owners nickle.

Of course the loco must have appropirate boiler certifications (we are not FRA) and any crews are responsible to our operating rules. Additionally, the loco owner (or designate) is in full control of the loco, our crews are strictly hand off (unless invited)