Status of LASTA SP 2-8-2 #745

Rob Gardner · **Joined:** Sat Aug 21, 2004 10:50 pm **Posts:** 576

Can anyone provide a status report on LASTA's Mk-5 SP 2-8-2 No.745? It would be great to see a double header with Austin's No786 when she returns to steam.

Has there been any longterm issues from the run on KCS when the fusible plugs dropped?

Rob Gardner

David Farlow · **Posted:** Sun Feb 14, 2010 1:25 pm

I saw the engine a couple of times this summer and talked with a volunteer of LASTA. The engine is stored in a fenced area with the "jewelry" removed, though not under cover. I didn't get the impression that there was anything considered to be "wrong" with the engine, but it didn't sound like there was any operation plans being considered anytime soon.

David Farlow

Mr. Ed · **Posted:** Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:04 pm

It has a bad stay bolt. The "jewelry" was removed in preperation for it's role in the movie. All has been replaced except for the headlight. Once the stay bolt s replaced, it will be accessed by the FRA and put back into service.

Later!
Mr. Ed

Rob Gardner · **Joined:** Sat Aug 21, 2004 10:50 pm **Posts:** 576

Mr. Ed and Mr. Farlow,

Thanks for the information. It seems from a great distance that the south is filled shortlines large and small that would probably welcome an engine the size of the 745. Hopefully this bum staybolt doesn't slow them down for too long. Will she be hot for the movie shoot or has that come and gone already? Is the group working towards getting her out on the road again soon?

Rob Gardner

Mr. Ed · **Posted:** Tue Feb 16, 2010 10:25 am

I think the movie has been filmed and 745 is in the process of being put back together and readied for the upcoming season. They actually built a coach car from the frame up to blow up in the film. Those studio folks know how to do those things and make them look very real. So if you go see the movie (whose name escapes me at this time) don't get too upset at any railroad equipment that gets destroyed. They are all props.

Later!
Mr. Ed

Steve Freer · **Joined:** Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:24 pm **Posts:** 380

Film = Jonah Hex

Mr. Ed · **Posted:** Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:52 am

Yeah, that's it! Thanks Steve.

Later!
Mr. Ed

ctjacks · **Posted:** Wed Feb 17, 2010 5:40 pm

I think the bigger question for our industry is: will the 745 incident spook KCS, CN, or other host RRs from allowing steam in the future? Last summer CN did allow 4449 to go to Durand, and I had hoped that would make them more open to such operations, and I hope that will be the case. Chris.