So now we know why they were keeping everyone so far away from the Knox & Kane enginehouse after the fire.

It appears that the Cornells at least kept VERY good insurance. Therefore, the obvious "arson for insurance" plot had to be ruled out.

Well, it appears it has been. And with an unusual twist. I've heard from an associate who works with locomotive broker RMDI in Pittston, Pa., a fellow also active with the West Va. Central and indirectly the Western Md. RR Historical Society. On behalf of the WVC, RMDI had been after the former WM chop-nosed GP9 at K&K, and in spite of the damage is apparently still interested. But now the insurance adjusters have had their days, and the results are a surprise to say the least.

Apparently under the terms of the insurance policies in effect, the locomotives were insured for "replacement" value, which the insurance company is taking to mean LITERAL replacement. After a couple rounds about exactly what condition everything was in, here are the results:

*RMDI will take possession of all four pieces in the enginehouse remains. Yes, the two steamers, the GP9, and what remains of the passenger car.

*The Cornells will be sold/traded an operable diesel locomotive from RMDI's "fleet", possibly a GE U-boat or Dash Seven currently in the yard, or a GP9/GP10 to be picked up by RMDI for the purpose. RMDI will also see about a "replacement" passenger car, most likely a specific car from the former Station Inn complex in nearby Wilkes-Barre.

*The Cornells will acquire as 58's replacement New York, Susquehanna & Western 142, currently on the Bel-Del and now owned by the NYS&W Historical Society. For the time being, the loco will remain in Jersey; only title and money will change hands. It's believed that Cornell will arrange a reasonable lease arrangement that will still produce income for his family and allow the loco to remain in its current New Jersey operation pending a longer-term plan. Funds from the loco's sale will allow the NYS&WHS to make a firm offer to the NYS&W for one or more of the former NYS&W "business car" fleet, either coaches or historical equipment as desired (one business car is former New York, Ontario & Western, as I recall), in conjunction with the New York & Greenwood Lake RR. A post related to this will follow on the RyPN Interchange.

*H&BTM 38 will be examined by RMDI for actual condition, and if repairable will be offered for potential restoration and operation, possibly at Steamtown on a lease to the Friends of Steamtown. If the loco is deemed too badly damaged to restore to steam, RMDI will weigh the best options for preservation, including static display at either Huntington, Pa. or the Railroad Museum of Pa. RMDI principal Ron Delevan is a principled business man, but still has a soft spot for preservationists, and will reportedly work with "appropriate" parties toward a well-qualified preservation plan on a "cost-recovery" basis--meaning "give him what he has tied up in it."

*Still undetermined is the fate of Chinese 2-8-2 58. My friend has said to me privately that RMDI doesn't have much enthusiasm for this locomotive--I personally wouldn't be surprised if the words "Chinese junk" came up. "How he got approval to run that thing in the first place, I'd like to know," to quote my friend. Nonetheless, the loco is still considered historic, and some ideas are being floated around, including a sectioned exhibit at Steamtown or acquiring a replacement boiler from China via Henry Posner, if available.

Was this real or just a joke??

JJ-

ADM4 was simply 43 minutes early. Re-read his date and time of post.

Howard P.

(Wondering what will be perpetrated NEXT 4/1...)

SERIOUSLY FOLKS!

Anything new on the K&K? What was damaged in the fire? Any photos? Any news of the line?

Not looking good. Posts over on railfan.net by the locals mention the railroad being sold (not steam engines) and track is going to come out. Apparently track removal south of Marienville has already started. Sad end, but I guess not entirely unexpected...