Georgia-Pacific 2-8-2 #5 at Avery Park in Cornvallis, Oregon:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spaceninja/1430985223/

The stats are that Baldwin originally built this Mike for the Brooks-Scanlon Lumber Company in May of 1922. It was resold to Georgia-Pacific Corp. in 1956 and donated to Cornvallis in about 1960. The REAL story here though is the access given to kids, teenagers and adults. How much is left of the 2-8-2? Worse than that, what happens when some 7 year old falls off the tender and breaks an arm, or worse? And what will the suit be for? Surprising that this hasn't happened yet!

Les

I could make the case that, however much at risk of falls, graffiti, and vandalism this open exposure places the loco, the end result will probably be more people that actually CARE about said loco in future years than if it were surrounded by the typical eight-foot-high barbed-wire-topped chain link fence and covered by a pole shed.

Your mileage may vary.

Les,

This was the first steam locomotive I ever saw, and got me hooked on the hobby. She is quite well cared for, and is a very popular attraction in Avery Park. There are railings that have been added along the running boards, and all the platforms and steps are in good condition. The locomotive is also surrounded by a bed of bark dust, so an impact fall would be somewhat minimal. Generations of children have enjoyed themselves on this gigantic piece of playground equipment, and it seems that at least for the time being, Corvallis is counting the benefit of accessibility to far out-weigh the risk.

Thanks, Taylor