http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.p ... 357&nseq=2

Who would have thought when Ross traded for the 614 this is what the
T-1 would look like in the future

Put down the flamethrowers, regulars and hot-headed lurkers.

I had nothing to do with this one. >:-/

play nice

dr

Well, once again I must opine that she belongs in Reading paint, and not in that carnival garb.

Richard - I guess I would agree. I wonder when Ross made the trade, if there was any mention made of the 4-8-4 having to remain in AFT #1 garb?

Les

Reading paint, with photos visible nearby showing her exploits as AFT 1 and heading up the Chessie Steam Special...

Bruce Manwiller

Keep in mind that the trade for the 614 occurred after the T1 was damaged in the roundhouse fire. -- Ray

The B&O Museum is well aware of her condition, and does have plans to repaint her as AFT#1. However, they are trying to finish restoring the locomotives that were damaged in the roof collapse. #57, aka Memnon, is supposed to be back in the roundhouse, and her place in the restoration shop has been taken by 4-6-0 #117, aka Thatcher Perkins. I'll verify #57's return tomorrow.

The museum management, with limited resources is cocentrating on getting its 19th century rolling stock in order. As a volunteer there, I can tell you that I am always being asked, "When are you going to finish fixing the trains damaged in the roof collapse?" I simply point out pieces that have been completed.

If you would like to accelerate the process, consider donating the money for paint, and volunteering your own time to accomplish the job.

I don't like seeing rust on that C&O baggage car, #314 in the background of this picture. That is the car that carried General Eisehnower's from Washington to Abilene for burial in 1969.

I think Mr. Gillespie has addressed it well. I take some of the blame for the deplorable shape that AFT #1 has deteriorated into, as when we did the swap for the 614 in 1979 we should have left her with a modest "endowment" to fund her continued cosmetic upkeep, along with certain ground-rules establishing certain minimum standards of care ( repainting every 5 years-etc.). A valuable lesson for the future.
She should be kept in AFT colors, as far and away more Americans saw her and celebrated her in that garb than any other, and I would say that was the most important assignment of her long carreer!
IMHO-Ross Rowland

As of last Saturday, Memnon was behind a black cloth shroud in the roundhouse with a sign in front of it announcing the unveiling tomorrow (Saturday) morning. As a member, I received an invitation to the 0900 ceremony (sorry, CSX will have other plans for me by then, if not shortly after Midnight tonight), so it's done, and the paint and brass sticking out above the cloth look nice and shiny.

As for AFT #1/RDG #2101, I have a novel idea (I'll duck the flame throwers). Since it's been painted for the AFT the past 27 years, how about painting it in it's Chessie Steam Special paint for a few years. I'm willing to bet that there are more than a few 30 and 40 somethings who remember seeing and riding behind it as kids in '77 and '78, and just might have the light bulb go on driving by and seeing it in that paint and go in for a visit. (Even though I went through the AFT when it was in Cleveland, the '01 was hidden at Collingwood while it was in town. Probably true for many places the AFT displayed.) Then the next time it's due for paint, do the RDG freight scheme. Just a thought. Now a word from those who would like to ream me a new one!

The press release I have from the B&O Museum says the Memnon ceremony is Feb. 2nd. My client received this release yesterday, it seems.

Great idea, PWW. Historic and eye-catching, that Franklyn Carr scheme was. Well, historic for the 70s, at least.

And rotating the paint colors each time it's due for paint-- another good idea.

Howard P.
Nomex Suit, CT

Sandy;

Yes, you're right, Feb. 2. I still won't be able to be there, just more sleep deprived rambling from me!!!

The program at my local NRHS chapter the other night was a series of Power Point dissolve shows set to music. One of them was entitled "Chessie System: That '70's Railroad". "What were you wearing back then?" Cute concept, set to contemporary "classic" rock from the time. Chessie really was a very '70's scheme, down to the type style of the lettering on the equipment.

A little humor is called for here.

This discussion on AFT#1's future paint scheme reminds me of a cartoon in Railfan magazine when the Chessie Steam Special was running the rails in 1977. It showed St. Peter holding this hapless guy by the lapels and saying, "So you're the fellow who put yellow and orange paint and NKP number boards on a T1. Son, have I got bad news for you. Guess who's a Reading fan."

Seriously, the B&O Museum plans to honor the Chessie System look on a more appropriate diesel. The victim to be is GP38 #9899, nee B&O #3802, Trains magazine's choice as the "All American Diesel" back in 1982 or so. This writer never like the Chessie System look.

I agree with Ross on this one. AFT #1 should retain that paint scheme as it was her most famous role. Plus SP 4449 is permanently back in red and orange, and I don't believe anyone here would argue with that.