The remaining three so-called Lost Engines of Roanoke are pretty well known by now as is their appearance (partly assembled/disassembled kits). I just sent this idea to VMT:

"I was just looking through some Link photos taken inside the Roanoke shops, and thought of an idea for displaying one of the M2's currently off S. Jefferson St. How about as a locomotive either being constructed or repaired? Perhaps with manniquins using various types of hand tools on and around it? That way, there would be an "excuse" for the missing parts until such time as restoration could be made. This would be a different story than is usually staged."

and wondered if any museum ever had any success displaying a locomotive this way. Suggestions, references, comments appreciated. Maybe one of these old beasties will make it to safe territory yet!

Dave Stephenson

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Steamtown has a cut-away of a steamer up there. Its pretty cool to see the inside of the boiler and they have it color coded to show what is what. I'm sure you are going to hear the problem with the Lost Engines is not having a home to go to but its the money to move them. Yes there are tracks very close to them but they can't be moved over an active rail system without permission, of course, and a guarantee that the friction bearing won't freeze up. These engines problably won't roll so 2 choices, truck them over land, @ $40-70K or on rail flatbed cars. Get the money or someone to donate time and equipment and we could save these engines. There is a group out there doing just that only time will tell.

Wish I had a photo to share, but the Pacific Locomotive Association's SP 2467 is displayed at the California State Railroad Museum as if it was in the roundhouse receiving some light maintenance. The Fireman's side is intact, but the piston has been pulled on the Engineer's side. Several tool carts and mannequins contribute to a pretty decent looking exhibit.

I understand what you are describing would be more like a heavy shopping. I think it could be a great exhibit if well designed.

Kind of reminds me of a French RR museum I once saw that had a locomotive on it's side, representing the trains blown up by the resistance in WW2. I'd bet that one was in sad shape before they put that display together.
Here are some good photos of it: http://www.citedutrain.com/getfile.php?GFILE_ID=1507 http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.p ... 781&nseq=2

Spounds like a brilliant and creative way of teaching something with the hulks of these locomotives. What a wonderfully educational way to utilize a surplus of non-functional steam locomotives! I wonder if repairs of some sort could be effected along the way?

Dave's precise concept was implemented several years ago at STEAM - The Museum of the Great Western Railway, located in a portion of the former GWR locomotive works at Swindon, Wiltshire, England.

"4200" class 2-8-0T no. 4248 is displayed as if undergoing a heavy general repair, as shown in the following photographs:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/doverpast/1020558264/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ckhowley/1064171285/

Because this engine departed Barry Scrapyard in a rather incomplete and deteriorated state, removal of what little was left of the side tanks, cab and bunker, and a bit of paint added, yielded pretty much what you see. Several other members of the same class have been restored to service following their own rescue from Barry.

The STEAM museum features other ambitious full-size dioramas along similar lines, such as a typical Carriage Works scene with a coach body under construction, as well as several fully intact GWR locomotives including No. 6000 "King George V," which attended the 1927 Baltimore & Ohio "Fair of the Iron Horse" and still carries the ceremonial bell presented at that time.

- GJC

Unfortunately, none of these ideas will be possible without first removing the engines from the scrapyard, unless of course anybody wants to display them as a pile of scrap metal and locomotive parts.

The yard is now owned by the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, who are overseeing the environmental cleanup before turning it over to the Carilion Clinic next year for redevelopment. The Redevelopment Authority has offered the remaining engines once again to the VMT, which doesn't have the money to move them and is primarily interested only in the Roanoke-built 1151 and one of the Baldwin diesels. The VMT is looking to other interested groups to save the rest of the engines and to help them move the pieces that they want. The deadline for moving them is December 31, 2008. The Western Virginia Railroad Preservation Society has launched a fundraising campaign to try to save as many of the engines as possible. Please visit http://www.twvrps.org/leor.html for more info.

Thanks for the information and pix. I've let VMT know about this thread so they can see what's suggested first-hand. I've got several responses from them. Maybe having another idea for what-to-do-with-it-when-we-get-it will help getting one or more of the M2's to VMT by year's end. It's all depends on $$$$ and/or volunteer labor and equipment now.

Heading to Roanoke Thurs-Sat so I may get a chance to swing by the park across from the locos for a distant look. I remember climbing around on them ca 1960 or so when you could get away with that sort of thing. IIRC, 917 still had its unusual headlight with all the glass still intact.

Dave, good luck. I have seen some pics of people who have walked up to them and got some great close ups. You are in a better position than most of us. You live in the state. Most of us can only watch from a distance and hope that they get saved and restored. I don't know your background but maybe you can work with some local businesses and see if they want to donate or if you know of a heavy moving company, like J. Supor here in Jersey--they moved SR 385 twice now, they may be willing to move the locomotives for a reduced rate or free. J Supor made it almost a parade when they moved 385 earlier this year--TV coverage and newspaper articles. They brought her up thru Montclair instead of staying on 280 and Rt 46. Food for thought!