You may see a news piece for a refinery fire in the Phelps Dodge's copper refinery in El Paso. The fire effected about one third of the tank house's roof. I understand no one was injured and SP 3420 and related equipment was not affected. The refinery was back harvesting copper today.

EPSW271@aol.com

What is the status of the 3420? Is the 2-8-0 still in running condition? Any future plans for operation?

Thanks in advance,

Rob Gardner

rtrain@nls.net

> What is the status of the 3420? Is the 2-8-0
> still in running condition? Any future plans
> for operation?

> Thanks in advance,

> Rob Gardner

SP 3420 has not operated since December 28, 1985. The locomotive is not currently in FRA or state boiler certification. 3420 would need a boiler patch on the door sheet and other work to bring it up to current code. Work is stalled due to the reoccuring problem of a lack of city (El Paso, TX) support. The board overseeing the locomotive was sunsetted several years ago and I know of no one in city government currently overseeing the locomotive. The city has been approached by a couple of tourist operators about aquiring the locomotive, but the city says that they have "plans" for it. I am anxiously waiting for this plan with an antacid in hand.


EPSW271@aol.com