OK, so for some time now I have jokingly made a statement that I think just might actually be true. I am posting here to find out. With the discussion about the Mid-Continent cranes, it brings this topic up.
I claim that I worked the last RR steam derrick "pick" of a steam locomotive loaded onto a flatcar.
True or False??
I was a volunteer with Bluegrass RR Museum in Versailles, KY. We had purchased a steam locomotive from Art Davis (DABO, Inc) in Orrville Ohio. The purchase was made in 1988 or 1989 (I have slept since then...) and the loco was Porter #717, ex-Army, built 1947, 70tons. A big, ugly tank engine. The engine was restored to steam at BGRM but never operated in scheduled service, and now is privately owned in California (to the best of my knowledge).
Bill Johnson and myself went to Orrville to prep the locomotive and SRR flatcar for the move. Art Davis had his local crew fire up one of his five derricks for the lift. I don't remember what the heritage of the crane was, but think B&O 250ton? (he had several...). I was amazed at how quiet, slow, and powerful it was. We used Mr. Davis' ALCo diesel to spot the flatcar.
Conrail handled the move the next day or so, handing off to NS.
So.............Has anyone loaded a steam loco with a steam derrick since 1989?
(Bill Johnson handling line, myself to photo right under cylinder on backside of flatcar)
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