Just to make a differing viewpoint-
Even though the locomotive was a gift to the USA, it was done at a time when there was little contemplation of a steam revival in England. Returning a well cared for, more easily restored steam locomotive to our British colleagues says something more about our mutual regard for what the operational locomotive represents. I would liken it to returning a valued heirloom, left to me by my Aunt, to her children, saying, "I've enjoyed it and understood the significance, but I know what it means to you as well".

Unless the Brits would find it insulting, and I doubt they would, returing the DDE might be a very warm and sensible gesture.

Just to be clear, the Irish tank engine at the Pine Creek RR/NJMT is a 4-4-0T. She was operational up until the late 1990s but now requires some boiler work.

Another Irish engine did go home some years back. That was the 3' gauge #5T 2-6-2T "Mary" which was at the old Steamtown but went back to Ireland. It operated for a few years but I understand today that it needs a new boiler and cash for such efforts is in slim supply.

There are two ways to look at this. One is that, yes, it would be nice to send the engine back to its home tracks. On the other hand, it is nice to see foreign examples right here at home and see first hand the different approaches taken by US and UK manufacturers.

J.R.