Questions re: Strasburg 4 and 31

Paul Calpin · **Posted:** Wed Jun 02, 2004 8:57 pm

I've heard it suggested that IF the cost of restoring SRC 4 (1187)seem to great, the project, logically, will not be undertaken.

I also have heard "that things are not looking good for the rebuild", due to preliminary tests. Now, this quote DID NOT come from any Strasburg employees. It is third part hearsay.

So I ask the question, (especially to Linn, Kelly or Steve Weaver), has there been any decisions made on #4?

Also. If the camelback will not be restored to operating condition, then is there a plan B? Will it be donated (or sold) to the RMofPA, The Reading Historical Society, cometically resored and displayed?

And if it is not restored to operating condition, what about exploring this.

Completing the restoration of 972. Upon that completion, temporarily take 31 out of service and cosmetically backdate it (as much as possible). As close to it's original appearence as possible without causing a dramatic cost over run. Then operate it as a freight/switcher locomotive exclusively.

I once was shown, what I believe were builder's blueprints of 31 when I was allowed on a special shop tour in 1990. It was awhile ago, but as I recall, it looked more like the Wilmington and Western's #58 than it does like it's current appearence.

As memory serves, it had a slope tender, slide valves, a smaller cab and differnt domes. Now I am stating this off of a memory that is close to 14 years old. For all I know, these plans were not actually of 31....I am no expert.

Paul

pcalpin31@yahoo.com

Linn W. Moedinger · **Posted:** Thu Jun 03, 2004 6:20 am

#4 has not yet been assessed. Until that is done we cannot say what the ultimate disposition of the locomotive will be.

#31 no longer has her rear sand dome.

The work on #972 has stopped for the time being due to lack of time and need.

Strasburg Rail Road
linnwm@supernet.com

Tom Richards · **Posted:** Thu Jun 03, 2004 7:54 am

Has 972 ever been out and about on the Strasburg? I can't remember it. Or has it always been a project? Will 31 be run in the forseeable future?

Brian O. · **Posted:** Thu Jun 03, 2004 7:58 pm

> Has 972 ever been out and about on the
> Strasburg? I can't remember it. Or has it
> always been a project? Will 31 be run in the
> forseeable future?

As a matter of fact the 972 has been out on the straburg but they were for test runs in the early 70's for when it operated in Jim Thorpe PA