American Pickers posts photo of "abandoned steam locomotive"

John D · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 2:28 pm **Posts:** 484

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fb ... 6475334083

I found this on Mike Wolfe's Facebook page. This locomotive is not "abandoned", but is the ex-WP&Y locomotive on display in Skagway, AK per Steamlocomotive.info and steamlocomotive.com. However, the Facebook photo makes it look like this locomotive isn't getting the best of care.

Dennis Storzek · **Posted:** Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:51 am

It didn't look much better when I was up there in '99. It's on "display" alongside the track between the shops and the docks, where all the tourists see it as they pass on the excursion trains. Perhaps since WP&Y 73 became active again, the railroad hasn't felt the need for other steam era artifacts?

By the way, this is one of the ex-U.S.A. engines. Dollywood has a couple more, IIRC.

Newriver400 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:29 am

With at least two sisters in operation, I would think this would be a good candidate for WP&Y which could certainly justify another operating steam locomotive when the tourist business is doing well. I'm really surprised it's not at least a little better cared for...

Brian Norden · **Posted:** Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:51 pm

As I recall, the locomotive is located near the Municipal Museum. Conrad's Steam Locomotive Directory of North America indicates that the locomotive was given to the museum back in 1961.

I guess with indoor displays and an operating tourist railroad in town there is little interest in making the locomotive out back of the Museum building look nice.

Stephen Hussar · **Posted:** Sat Jan 08, 2011 10:22 am

Just to be clear. This is far from abandoned, correct?? Am I right in thinking the photographer chose the angle and posted it on his FB page as "abandoned," for dramatic effect?

Stephen

Dennis Storzek · **Posted:** Sat Jan 08, 2011 11:30 am

Well, it is obviously owned by someone... but even back in 1999, from the track, it was not obvious it belonged to anyone, or was cared for.

jasonsobczynski · **Posted:** Sat Jan 08, 2011 12:49 pm

The locomotive is owned by the museum, not the railroad.

Jason

p51 · **Posted:** Sat Jan 08, 2011 8:19 pm

It wasn't quite as grown over in 2000 when I saw it, I went back and watched the video I shot from the WP train and it was in better external condition then but not by much. My big regret of that day was not walking back up the line to go take a better look.
This is one of the war department engines sent to the WP during WW2.