I have on occasion seen references made to O. Winston Link having owned an ex-CPR class D-4g 4-6-0 No. 453 and a wooden Rutland combine.

Does anybody know what was his motivation to preserve these pieces, e.g., he wanted to start his own steam tourist line, or he desired to own/save a piece of history.

Did he ever work on restoring these pieces himself, or did he engage others to do the work on his behalf?

Where was the equipment stored during his years of ownership, and where does the equipment reside presently?

K.R. Bell

Here's what a quick google search dredged up.

http://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=30261

http://rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38977

I hope this helps!
Take care, be safe, and be well.
John

OWL worked on the combine himself; he had it at Morristown & Erie in Whippany NJ for many years. After Link's death (20 years ago this month), the Rutland combine found a home in upstate New York (Lowville & Beaver River).

The CPR 453 was stored at Elizabethport Shops of the CNJ for a period of time in the late 1960s, about 1969, it was moved west dead-in-tow out of CNJ-land (to Maryland?), and then it was moved to the second location of the Morris County Central at Newfoundland, NJ (on the NYS&W). Link puttered with the engine there, but did nothing substantial to it. 453 was later moved to Rome, NY ("Rome Locomotive Works") about 1985 for restoration by someone who turned out to be OWL's second wife Concheta's "boyfriend". That person was involved with Concheta in the disappearance of much of OWL's photo and negative archive, and the subsequent legal proceedings, all well-documented and available to those interested.

He never discussed any desire to operate his own heritage railway, and attempts by others in the northeast to lease or otherwise arrange for restoration and operation of his locomotive were rebuffed. 453 was not unknown in 1960s-70s northeastern heritage railway circles.

Howard P.

CP 453 was also in Whippany on the Morris County Central prior to the move to Newfoundland. It can be seen in "The Rise and Fall of the Morris County Central" video being moved with the rest of the MCC's equipment. I believe the hope was to operate it on the MCC in Newfoundland but the railroad's financial difficulties in the late 70's prevented this from happening.

John

The 453 is in the private collection of Will Harris and stored in Goshen, Virginia. https://www.steamlocomotive.info/nloconoteshow.cfm?which=917

The combine as noted above is owned by the Railroad Historical Society of Northern New York and stored in Lowville, NY. http://www.newyorktrains.com/Combine_Car.htm

- Alan Maples

Back in 1969, with Tony Hannold. I recall meeting OWL at the Rahway Valley and inspecting his beautiful combine, which at the time had no seats (it may have had the Hale & Kilburn seat frames - but no cushions).

Within a few days, I discovered the PC was preparing a number of its NYC heavyweight coaches for retirement at North White Plains. Most of these coaches had seats that were slipcovered over the original plush/mohair fabric.

OWL mobilized instantly to claim the needed seats, noting the cushions were in remarkably good condition.

Even though the PC merger had taken place, in those days their facilities were accessible and friendly, and in most respects, it was still very much a "clean window" NYC operation, notwithstanding the mounting losses that would foreshadow collapse in the 1970s.

I am very pleased to see this car is obviously well cared-for, in Lowville.

"Cousin" Will (really no relation) is gathering quite the collection in Goshen. Wonder if he has done anything with the private car he saved out of Richmond?

Two images of the CPR 453 while displayed outside a hobby shop in Utica, New York, 2010. I was told significant parts from the drive linkage were removed by the family and destroyed.

He did a night, self portrait of him and the 453 when it was in Rome, NY. I remember reading about it in one of the magazines at the time. It was probably his last night photo.