Stephen has been quite communicative about the happenings at the museum there in Albany. And why would anyone think that the rods wouldn't interchange with 750? Same builder, same year, same class, same original owner, 4 months and 8 numbers apart. The rod swap took place after 750 sheared, I believe, a wrist pin at speed in the early 1980's. For my 2 cent's worth, I think the FEC engines were about the prettiest light pacifics ever built.

I'd been told that at least part of the siderods on this engine got swapped out on S&A 750 years back but don't know if that's true as I can't see how they'd used the same rods due to the size difference.

But not Georgia Northern #107. Any chance in the future?

Probabilities are against it. 107 was rode very hard before being put up wet. The firebox, from the inside, resembles a rusty relief map of Colorado. Running gear is extremely worn. One cylinder has been broken, sleeved, then fit with a safety valve to prevent full pressure from working in the bad end.

750 needs a new boiler due to stress cracks around many rivets in the original, but is mechanically in much better shape. I'd invest in a nice new boiler for her before starting to work on an operating 107.

148 has moved from the Florida flats she was designed for to the Colorado mountains. What an interesting choice..........haven't heard an update from there for a very long time.

153, on static display, looks like a zillion bucks. 113 is a nice possibility, still with the original Fox trucks on the tender. Goild Coast RR Museum has no need for an operating steamer at present, and if they do, a FEC 0-8-0 is being restored to operate by another group in Miami. Why have two with neither of them keeping busy full time?

There is another Pidcock Lines 2-8-2 that is a much better choice if one wishes an operating steam engine - say for Sam Shortline - in the area.

dave

Hey, John, is that your latest photo-freight strategy? Have the paying photographers "decorate" the front of the train in between runby locations so as to sabotage the photos taken by "freeloaders"? >;-D

Thanks for the rundown. From your answer, I guess there are only the five ex-FEC light Pacifics and not six. And it sounds like the 113 might be the best one to restore. Is Gold Coast willing to part with it to someone who might restore it?

Dug out my Richard Prince book on the CofG to look up the Pidcock Lines to see what 2-8-2 you might be talking about. Both the Albany & Northern and the Georgia, Ashburn, Sylvester & Camilla had little Mikados that I think got saved. Maybe there was another one too.

As for the FEC 0-8-0, it would be nice to see her run although not sure what the status of the restoration is currently. Hope the group hasn't run out of gas.

Les

har har . . . ;)

On the very first one I ever did, we stashed a big blue bedsheet in the fireman's seatbox. Eventually, a non-paying photographer was spotted, and the crew draped it over the smokebox as the loco crossed the crossing.

End of chaser.

Since then, frankly, I haven't worried about it, because over they years, very few people have ever shown up without paying. I keep it simple - shoot all you want between runbys, but don't expect to stand in our photo lines, and we will get along fine. No point being a jerk about it. Besides, they may see what they're missing, and pay next time.

So, Sandy, when should I expect your check? ;)

JAC

I always get confused about which Pidcock 2-8-2 is which number. I don't get over that way too often. At least one was reputedly in very good condition, possibly both? There is a nice 2-8-0 in Macon that has been talked about recently, no progress I have heard about of late.

dave