The two RS3 were not running when we received them. Both were put back in service and pulled the museum trains before the GP7's were acquired. CSX derailed one of the GP7's at Baldwin Yard while en-route to the museum it and has never been used on the museum trains. Over time, it was decided to run one of the RS3's (1633) and use the 8604 (PRR) for parts to keep the 1633 running. The RS3 had problems with the cylinder sleeves developing pin hole water leaks and also electrical problems so it would run for awhile then have to come out of service for repairs then, once fixed, run for awhile before it needed more repairs. A few years ago, after my tenure as president, they bought the GP10 and the RS3 was more or less retired. However, it has had work done on it lately and is close torunning again. Use of it will probably be for special occasions only. The unused GP7 (has a bad traction motor) has been used for parts to keep the other one serviceable.
Had I still been president at the time, I would have not bought the GP10 and instead leased a unit while restoring the unused GP7 back to service. Then, I would have returned the leased unit. The whole project, including the leased unit, could have been done for less than the price of the GP10, in my opinion.
All of the volunteer engineers at the museum have started as car hosts then worked their way up as trainmen, conductors and firemen before qualifying as engineers. I did that, too. I do think there should be speeded up process for engine crew personnel who have a proven record of such service at other railroads or operating museums. I also think that those who go through the process from car host to engineer should be required to fill in at any of those previously held posts if needed, at least as trainman or conductor. The museum does have on-going training and qualification requirements for it's operating personnel.
The museum charter says the goal is to acquire, preserve, restore and operate (where possible) historic American railroad equipment with an emphasis on items that operated within Florida. It does not mention BEDT 12.
BEDT 12 is actually preserved and cosmetically displayed at Parrish which is in keeping with the museum's stated goals. Actually, it is beyond the stated purpose of preserving Florida related equipment since it never ran for any Florida railroad. It was purchased by a man in Tampa who later sold it to another individual in Tampa who, still later, donated it to the museum. There has never been any intention to operate it.
No one considers any of the museum's collection as "toys".
-JH
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