Interesting post on the AT&SF Alco PA #59L facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/AlcoPARestoration/ They are attempting a graft from an FA unit to fix the roof damaged in a rollover in Mexico, the metal has hard to duplicate compound curves. The ex-VIA FPA4 is a shell apparently, lacking all of the mechanical parts, there are quite a few FPA4s remaining, and it wasn't long for this world regardless, so I don't have much of a problem with what they are planning:
"Restoration of the Santa Fe Chief - Alco PA #59
19 hrs ·
Update on the roof repairs to the PA 59L
Good news is we still have a great donor in the form of an MLW FPA4. This locomotive has been out of service for many years and it’s operational days are long gone. A great many parts will be harvested in support of the PA, so it will end it’s service life by helping a very rare locomotive see life again. Huge thanks to RAPIDO TRAINS FOR PROVIDING THE 3D SCAN DATA FROM PA and FPA4 PROTOTYPES SHOWING THAT INDEED THE CONTOURS OF THE ROOF ARE THE SAME! They offer excellent model trains for the serious hobbyist: https://rapidotrains.com
The bad news. When we have completed taking the parts we need, the MLW cab unit must be salvaged. Last Fall (2019) we had a contractor with appropriate experience and insurance -as required by the donor- committed to assist in completing this work. Our goal was to wrap up by 11/1/2019. For reasons unknown to us this contractor quit returning emails and phone calls later last Fall, and the work has not been completed. Not only very disappointing, but incredibly frustrating as we want to continue to make significant headway on this magnificent project.
The great news-
Again, as of today, we are in good standing with the donor, and the donor locomotive is still ours to salvage. This is not at all a lost opportunity, just an unfortunate set back.
To that point, we are still in need of a competent “rail car salvage and scrap” specialist with insurance and references to complete this work ASAP. Please PM with serious inquires only.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and support...We will prevail!"
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