Okay. What is REALLY going on in Scranton in November? Their site does not provide any info right now on what equipment will be there; they say they are still in the planning stages as of yet and formal invitations have yet to go out. But considering all the chatter on this and all the other railroad forums out there, SOMEONE who runs steam had their ear to the ground and picked this up? Over the past week, I have contacted the people who operate NYSW #142, NKP #765, MILW #261 and R&N #425. Christopher Bost was the only one nice enough to reply. He said he hasn't heard anything about November yet, but if 425 is running by then, why not bring her up?
According to him, they still haven't looked at the tender yet which had coal in it for the past 11 years and A LOT of rust, much less had a chance to look at the auxiliary tender. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed that she'll be up there. I know I will not make the Lehigh Gorge Trips, if she is finished by then; just praying for Scranton.
So, people. Please help me out. SOMEONE has to know what steam locos will be there besides Steamtown's 2317 and 3254. I read from robertjohndavis that 425 will supposed to be there for Sunday the 4th. Curious as to how he found out?
Knowing ahead of time will make my decision to skip out of work that weekend. My Wife and I are going to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for our 2nd Anniversary the weekend before and I will go to Scranton with My Dad who has yet to go there.
If anyone else out there knows ahead of time, preferrably before Steamtown posts it, please let me know.
Thanks!!!

It is frustrating, ain't it????

I think the thought is to play it safe and not announce anything so that no promises are broken. It seems to be the norm anymore when it comes to rail related events.

A few people have opened their mouths about rail related events that were far from firm and have paid the price one too many times.

I applaud Ross Rowland, though quiet for years about the possibilities regarding the future of C&O #614, finally had the courage to give the community a heads up regarding the Yellow Ribbon Express. Maybe it was just the fact that the YRE was more firm then any option prior. Though I'll bet having the 4-8-4 suspended from the ceiling of a casino was stopped only by respect for the engine and it's fans. (Correct me if I'm misquoting facts, I think I have them correct).

Regardless, it is nice to be in the loop and it sure helps when making plans to attend an event. AS LONG AS IT"S WORDED CORRECTLY, I think it is beneficial to share the hopes and desires of groups with Steam or groups planning events. Ross did so with the YRE - hopefully #614 and a host of other engines will be traveling the country soon. But if not, no one could intelligently or honestly say it was a farse or gimick, nor fault the intention as that is just what it is at this point in time.

As for Steamtown - here's the "chatter"

2317
3254
26   I heard the Baldwin #26 was hoped to be ready, extremely ridiculously unlikely.
142 I heard that the Bel Del Chinese #142 was hoped to be able to attend - my guess is that if this were true, it would depend on the affordability of such a move.
765 I heard that it was hoped that NKP #765 could attend, and maybe even stick around for awhile. I highly doubt this will come to fruition. Again, cost of the move, lack of time to prepare. Maybe Kelly can chime in here.
425 I heard that R&N #425 was a no brainer - if it is ready.
2816 CP #2816 was another engine I heard some chatter about and CP is often represented at Steamtown events.

Again - I read and /or overheard from unofficial sources all of which have yet to be officially validated. I think the above hopefuls are /were real, note I did not say 261 will be visiting nor the 3751... There may be other guests that I have not come across via any unofficial channels.

Bennett's PRR's are advertised.
A night photo special is advertised as well, likely on the museum grounds.

I believe there were talks to bring other diesels to the event - such as NS's F Set though it is not validated. Perhaps the Erie E-8, but that is just a guess on my part.

So, consider yourself in the loop regarding what may have been hoped for and what may still be possible but do not be upset (with me) if no further info is forwarded and only 2317, 3254 and Bennett's E's show. November 2nd, 3rd, and 4th could just be regular days at Steamtown - there is a wealth of effort trying to make this a great event.

Sincerely,
Anonymous despite my name under "author".

Steve,

My out box says I replied to your email of September 5th on September 6th, at 4:51 PM. If you did not receive my reply, please send me a private message.

The organizer of the Lackawanna Railfest has inquired about and invited the 765, but the invitation came in the middle of planning for other operations. The people behind this event have been nothing but kind and forthcoming.

However, there is apparently an "ultimate steam event" idealized in the future if this Railfest is a success and the invitation still stands. When planning any event like this, it may be ideal to have every steam locomotive in the country visit, but none can do so without setting up an effective business plan that will sustain the locomotive's operating costs, and that in itself takes just as much work or more than setting up the Railfest like the East Stroudsburg have been working so hard to do.

I was there as a little one in 1995 during the Grand Opening. Any event reminiscent of that time should surely be a great one. I wouldn't mind seeing R&N 425 again.

KL

Can anyone provide an overview of how long it usually takes to get a piece of equipment that may not have moved recently ready for travel to an event line this and the necessary inspections and paperwork done?

When I ship a diesel locomotive that just came out of passenger service and meets all present regulations, I still have to figure about two weeks to get any marks and registry work done, AEI tags cut, the inspection and air test with the receiving carrier completed, and his report matched up with the waybill and clearance wire before the unit can move.

MX

Keep in mind also that the Railfest is being actually being organized by a third party, so making announcements is even trickier, particularly on the NPS website. I'm not here to promote the event or praise the Railfest planners, just want to share what I know to help out those who might be interested.

Here's what I know, as an employee of the railroad just having my ear to the rail, so to speak:

765 No, was never advertised by the group.

142 No, was never advertised by the group.

2816 No, was never advertised by the group.

425 A long shot, maybe, and is listed as a possibility on a press release by the Railfest planning group. Last I heard it had a long way to go. That doesn't say the engine is in bad shape, or the crew is anything but diligent, there's just so many hours in a day.

PRR E'8's Yes, trips advertised...

Both CN 3254 and CP 2317 are operational as of today 9/9/07

BLW 26, maybe next year...

NKP 514 Yes.

DL Diesels Yes.

I know there is other visiting non-steam equipment in the works but I'm not going to make any premature announcements for the group.

A Diesel East, Steam West trip is probably going to be the big event, first of its kind for Steamtown over the entire line. I know a group was out looking at runby locations this past week. What will come of that, time will tell. In any case, this alone would make the weekend worth the hotel reservation.

Hope this helps some. A lot of rumors have been flying around the internet, particularly by a group of hopeful youths on another forum, but the planning group has never advertised anything that wasn't confirmed or in the works. This event has been in the planning stages all year and details are still coming together for them.

Now hopefully any negative or sly comments (too bad this or too bad that, kissing your sister etc…) about Steamtown can be left for another day...

And oh yea, don't be a freeloader...

[redacted]

I know several of the youths myself, and I'm amazed how fact and fantasy can get blurred by even the most well meaning of people. Probably best not to single out the younger crowd, as plenty of adults fall into the same trap. It's like that grapevine game schoolkids used to play. "Pizza for lunch" becomes "Pete's gotten punched" after being retold a few times. But I digress...

Like I said, if it doesn't come in the form of an official announcement, don't put any stock in it.

DBC

Firstly, my thanks to the third party organizers and to S'town for being cooperative in this attempt at increasing interest in and attendance at S'town. Whatever happens I'm sure it will be an enjoyable event for all who attend.
From my perspective its almost always best not to announce anything until whatever you announce is firm. The are exceptions such as the YRE project which (if it happens) take years of planning etc. and are better exposed in the development stage vs. having half truths etc. floating around on the web etc.
From what I can see there's very little chance that any of the "possibles" will show up (including the 425) so if you are satisfied with the 2 S'town regular horses plus Mr. Levins gorgeous dismals then plan on going. If it'll take more than that to make you happy-then don't.
Remember the old adage---" all of lifes disappointments are the direct result of unrealistic expectations!!"
Ross Rowland

Dave is referring to a statement I put on Railfan.net about people who shoot photos from the Mall bridge in Steamtown so they don't have to pay the $6.00 fee to be on NPS land, or coming in the back way to avoid same. I would hope that any event would be worth six bucks from any of us.

And regarding SteveRG's initial post, I don't believe the Lackawanna RailFest was ever meant to be a steam lalapalooza, but more of an open invitation to all the railroads and preservation societies. Many groups who attend might just have an information table. It may disappoint some who think it will be all Lackawanna equipment, based on its name. But an event needs a name, and this is the one chosen.

What I do know is that tickets for the Delaware Water Gap excursion, the Moscow excursion and the night photo session go on sale this week, very likely the 12th of Sept. Banquet tickets are available by mail through a Philadelphia address.

As I said in the past, I am not an organizer of this event, but have filtered some info. from one of the organizers. When I get details, so will this forum.

While the details on moving in the special guest locomotives and passenger cars are still being worked out, I am happy to report that tickets are on sale for the Delaware Water Gap and Moscow excursions for that weekend, along with a $75 fee for the night photo session. In addition to two scenes highlighting the steam locomotives, there will be a night session with a D-L freight, the Levin Pennsy E-8's and train, and five diesels depicting the five RRs of Scranton. That is, if they can all attend. The trains sell for regular Steamtown excursion rates, but first class is also available. Ask when you call 888-693-9391, ext 5204, the Steamtown ticket booth.

Along with the colorful guests, Steamtown's Pat McKnight will offer new guided tours of the Mattes St. Tower, the Sand Dryer and the Office and Stores building. Tours of the RR yard, the big boy cab, and yard runbys will take place, in addition to the regular Scranton Ltd. trains and the trolley trips. The theater will host several live speakers on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday will also feature photo runbys in the yard.

The trolley museum will host various railroad clubs and societies, many of whom will provide information on their activities, and some will sell their wares. Make sure you stop by the tables to catch up on things.

The 5 railroads of Scranton may be represented? Hmmm... juices flowing... what will we see...

DL&W - easy, the SC lives in town.

Erie - I figger the #833 is a shoe-in.

CNJ - there's a couple of F units painted that way in a holler down by the Lehigh -- but it would be exciting to hear someone is restoring the CNJ SW-1 over in West Pittston.

NYO&W - there are limited options for a "real" O&W unit, but if a certain F-7 from South Jersey traveled up (maybe with a LV C-420) there would be, at least, a cosmetic fill-in

D&H - one of the GP-38-2's or maybe three RS-3's relettered for the night?

Hmmm....

Rob

Since we announced this in our latest newsletter, I can state publicly that the ARHS is working to get the F-3A's up to the Railfest.

They won't be operating while they are there, due to insurance restrictions, but they'll be there, barring any disasters....

The B-unit is still in Winslow, due to 2 bad wheelsets. We hope to remedy this problem within the next 6 months or so and finish the low-voltage control wiring so we can start the engine and see how she runs.

Walter
ARHS President

NYO&W - yes they are planning on real - think of where the nearest real O&W diesel is.

D&H - CP is bringing equipment to display - enough said.

I totally forgot the SRRofNJ has a "real" O&W 44-tonner to go with the F-7 and M420 in grey/yellow/orange. Where's the NW-2 these days?

Rob

The NW-2 116 is a short hop away on the NYS&W usually based out of Binghamton, NY.