Well, Strasburg finally will get a 4-4-0 back running on it's line.

It has been announced that Strasburg and the Wilmington and Western will swap steam locomotives 31 and 98. 98, a 4-4-0 is better suited for the Strasburg's relatively stable grades, while 31 will better suit the Wilmington and Western's need to have a 2nd steam locomotive that is capable of climbing the steep Hockessin Hill. Number 98 always had trouble there and usually needed a diesel locomotive to assist it on the climb. Current W&W 0-6-0 #58 has no problem climbing the grade by itself. Both 31 and 58 have similar tractive efforts.

98 was once rostered on the Strasburg Rail Road from 1961 to 1964, but served as a display locomotive only. This is the first 4-4-0 to operate on the Strasburg since 1989.

Welcome to April 1st.!

Now that would be a swap I would like to try. Just saw a couple pictures of 98 in Railpace the other day and took a few minutes to daydream. Well, anyway, back to reality, April 2, and whatever 31 decides to throw at us tomorrow....

You know, this is not so far fetched.....with one exception, 98 would never leave the property of W&W.

BUT....

W&W did enter into discussions with SRR on leasing the 31 when 98 went down, prior to 58's arrival.

No follin' here folks.

W&W 98 would be a poor performer at Strasburg. The grade is not so "moderate", and the trains are heavy. Back when 1223 (PRR D-16 4-4-0) was running, it would stall on the hill in rain. The slippery nature of 1223 and 7002 was an additional argument for laying them up.

I know......It just made it slightly more interesting.

I think the Subject title gives it away as a joke.....if not the day it was posted.