I am currently facing a big problem the only other member of the F40PH Preservation Society has dropped out. So I find myself running this ship all by myself, as a lot of you know one person cannot become a non-profit by themselves. I don't belong to a huge social circle and the only train group I currently belong to is The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum who are unable to help. I want to get this non profit up ASAP because word is the MBTA is going to start getting rid of there F40's and states are usually quite helpful to non-profits within there boarders. Although all is not so glum I have gotten a EIN and I have a better idea of what needs to be done thanks to the Guidance given to me from Harry N. who I would like to give a huge thanks to because without his support I would still be lost. I may have been set back some but I still remain determined to see this through.

-Rowan C. de la Barre
F40PH Preservation Society

Rowan, have you tried getting in contact with these guys?
http://www.amtrakhistoricalsociety.com/
I think it seems like it'd be a natural match.

The Amtrak group does seem like a great fit. As I was reading your post I was thinking why not get involved with an existing group and convince them to let you let a project to preserve an F-40. That makes it easier on many levels and adds credibility as they will be dealing with a group that has been around for a while.

Tried that eather to busy or not interested.

If you are in the Northeast I am sure there are a dozen or more rail related organizations in your region. Have you tried tham all? Maybe one would be interested in your project.

Other things to ponder:
You might be facing the fact that there is already more old rail equiment saved than can be cared for properly.

If you can't generate enough interest maybe there just are not enough people interested in saving an F-40. You might be learning first hand why there are no DL109 or CNJ double enders.

So far I have used the web as best I could to try to recrute people.
Here are the sites I have for this project.

http://trainweb.org/f40ph/ (out of date have trouble uploading newer page)

http://www.cafepress.com/f40ph (Trying my best to make F40PH Stuff despite haveing next to no photos of them)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group ... 9359228880 (No one seems to respond to any of my updates)

Some of the older fans view the F40 with disdain as it was the locomotive that sent the older E & F units to the torch and killed steam heated trains. They were loud and boxy and had no ties to our beloved fallen flags.

Back in the 60's a vast majority of the fans were still carried the torch for steam and saw little value in saving first generation diesels. This might be why there was not a lot of effort to save some of the early diesels (or electrics) that went extinct in the 60's.

Would setting up a trust fund be the way to go since I can't seem to find a clerk and a treasurer or will people look down upon it. I would like to become a non-profit because I know States donate equipment to groups within the state and the MBTA has a few F40PH's that fit the bill of what I am looking for.

The Spring/Summer Railroad History (R&LHS) has an article "Amtrak's F40PH". It may add to your argument about the significance of the locomotive.

Yes I hope so but what I really need is the word spread about this project, a place to put it, and more importunately volunteers to help with this undertaking.