We all know stories of railroaders (and fans) wandering among the ranks of condemned steam locomotives, chalking things like "Goodbye, old friend", on the side of a particular engine. Did any steam engineers actually buy their loco, or arrange for it to be saved from ultimate destruction?

I've heard several old heads tell about seeing their engine go to the scrap line. They said it was possible to buy any loco for about $3,000. I asked why!?, Oh why!? Oh Why didn't you buy one? - Well, cuase that's what my house cost in those days!

Though is wasn't technically his locomotive, Everett Rohrer was with UP in the ending days of steam in the 50's. Called to consult on a Hollywood movie set , he eventually bought GW75, assembled a consist and began operation of The Movie Train Company. He and his train were used in some 35 motion picture and television productions before his passing in the early 90's (1993?). As many of you are aware, GW75 and it's consist live on at Heber Valley. Everett had also preserved a large collection of things 'steam'. which through the miracle of eBay, survives in other collections now.

sc 'doc' lewis

Indeed, eBay has become the great redistributor, providing assurance that collections of those who have passed away will disappear again until somebody else dies. I have watched several friends collections that would have made excellent research libraries for a competent author or a museum get scattered forever thanks to eBay.

Rchard,

This doesn't involve a locomotive but might be interesting nevertheless.

Back in the winter of 1928 a young boy (16) by the name of Ray Vigue drove a Lombard tractor (No. 6) from Waterville, ME. to Churchill Lake. It was one of several Lombards purchased by Ed Lacroix. You can image the experience of driving one of these 10 ton machines nearly 300 miles over snow covered public roads.

Anyway, once they arrived at Churchill, over the course of the next week Ray and tractor No. 6 worked hauling long sled trains of pulpwood and delivering supplies to the various camps.

Now jump forward:

In 1974 Ray heard that the Maine State Museum was looking to aquire a Lombard tractor. Ray volunteered and went back to Churchill where he selected the same tractor he had driven so many years ago as a young lad. Today Ray's Lombard tractor is a central exhibit at the state museum.

Not only do we have a remarkable piece of machinery on display but a personal story to go with it.

Thanks Mr. Vigue!