Bit o'Texas-Indiana news...it seems that the Angelina and Neches River 2-6-0 #208 is to be leased to the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. The engine is now in French Lick, Indiana, and was converted to coal while there.

Any one know what shape its in, and the status of the Mobile and Gulf 97?

Grapevine has been without active steam since their SP ten wheeler 2248 lost a wrist pin and obliterated her firemans side cylinder. I understand that repairs involving sleeving are underway, and are to be completed within the decade.

Jim -

Interesting question about M&G #97. The A&NR 208 was not owned by the Indiana Railroad Museum there at French Lick, but was just leased by them at one time. But I believe that the 97 IS owned by INRM. I don't know whether the museum has plans to restore it to operation or not. Seems a shame if they don't have any such plans as it looks to be a nice sized engine for a short line/museum operation.

Les

An interesting note about the 97 is that she was used at the Perry Point (Perryville), Maryland at one time. If you poke around the the perry Point VA Hospital you can still find some traces of the railroad there. There is also a great view of the former PRR, now Amtrak, bridge over the Susquehanna River from the grounds.

Ocean City Western, no Tom?

Same place W&W's 114 came from.

Yes. Ocean City Western too.

I believe I was the last person to drop the fire on #208.

About 1989 or so, I was, along with others from Lexington, KY the "guest crew" covering an early November weekend when most of the normal French Lick gang needed a weekend off.

After the first run, which I struggled keeping a fire, we sat at the station loading for the second trip of the day. While tending the fire, I found I couldn't keep most of the grate area ablaze.......about a dozen stays on the right side sheet were spraying LOTS of water putting my fire out. The left side sheet was spraying as well. When my buddy climbed aboard and sat in the engineer's seat and said "Are you ready?" I just shook my head. We cut the loco loose and backed it into the siding and went after a diesel. I don't think it ever ran after that day.

Bottom line is it needs a new firebox at least. Some running gear work as well, as #2 left driver box always ran hot. #208 ran with #97's tender, as it's own tender was never restored.

I assume #208 will return to Texas with it's own tender, which is unfit for service. As for #97, it is worn out. For it to return to service will require a complete running gear overhaul and a new boiler. The original boiler has had non-code, improper firebox sheets and wrapper sheets applied, which when removed, will only leave a barrel....and I don't know if the barrel is worth saving.

I lived in Shelbyville, DE in the 1990's. While there, I frequently passed the two remaining Ocean City Western coaches......which were in scrap condition on a good day. They were cut up on the spot in the mid-1990's. They still had a faint logo on their sides of a 3/4 view of #97.

Where did you hear this information?

Not much gets past this boiler inspector when it is in his territory. Just hope Grapevine is better to Trinity Valley's equipment than they are their own.

I would love to say that it would be the case.....but.......sleeving a cylinder that most likely should be replaced? A loose wrist pin that SHOULD have been caught by either the crew or the mechanic in charge? With work being done by personnel with little if any steam locomotive experience? An outfit with several known FRA violations including a recent crew injury? Not bloody likely.

I am afraid that news of #208's Texas repatriation is for the moment premature. While Trinity Valley certainly hopes to bring its locomotive back to home territory, we have as yet to reach a definitive agreement with Grapevine to implement this goal.

When that happens, an official announcement from the parties concerned will be forthcoming. Thanks for your indulgence on the matter.

George Jenista ~ President
Trinity Valley RR Heritage Association
Post Office Box 6743
Fort Worth, Texas 76115-0743