HI All,
We just discovered that some nefarious idiots have very recently removed both injectors, the displacement lubricator, main steam gauge both brake handles and one Lima Builder's plate (s/n 3169) from the former Feather River Railway Shay on display in Hewitt Park in Oroville. One Injector is silver painted, the other black, and both are missing the male connecting parts--they're still on the piping. Below is a pic of the engineer's side before these clowns came along.

Judging by the careful manner in which the parts were taken, I don't think they were taken for the brass--but I could be wrong. They also got most of the site glass, but not the valves. There is evidence they were interupted--or they think no one is noticing and will be back.
I'll post more info on missing parts as soon as I locate my other detail photos.
ANY help getting the parts back or hanging these folks by a nearby tree appreciated!
Steamcerely,
David Dewey
(BTW, Curator for City of Oroville)

This is terrible, I was just looking at this shay on the internet the other day. May run over to see it when I am in the area in May.

Time to monitor Craigslist. Is there a fence around the engine?
Chris Allan

Yes. tall fence with barbed wire. They cut the bottom wire and slid the parts under.
They also attacked the WP 164 and hack sawed the whistle off the steam dome and also too other small valves, etc. from that cab, as well as the headlight switch/dimmer unit. AAARGH!!!
S'
David D.

Is there a brand name on, or cast into any of the parts? Set up an EBAY search with that name . If they are list them they will likely use the name in the listing. Ebay will email you when anything matching your search is listed. If you would score a hit, see what else the seller has listed!
Dirty Rats!

Mikechoochoo

I posted this on trainorders too, to give you more exposure about the thefts. I am hoping they will turn up at some swap meet/ebay/scrap metal dealers etc.

Thank you, any and all help appreciated.
I traced plumbing the other day, and figured out the large part taken from the engineer's side of the boiler was the air compressor steam regulator. Kinda pricey item!
S'
David D.

I'm betting you been victimized by meth addicts. The theft was planned and somebody took the time to investigate what they wanted and how to get it as quickly as possible. I'm not sure there is any advice other than to keep an eye out in scrapyards and regularly check in with the police, giving them photos of the missing parts. I doubt the thief is going to take the time to put these pieces on eBay. Perhaps the lesson is to the wider community, that brass, bronze, and copper, look beautiful but should be removed and wooden or steel parts put in place until the locomotive is restored (if ever). You can bet the thief doesn't appreciate what he has beyond his next score.
So very sad.

Hi all,
Richard, if these were Meth Add's, they were the most steam educated ones I've ever run into. And the whistle is cast iron, although the mounting elbow they sawed off is/was white brass. Dang-that elbow's probably worth half the value of the whistle. Local yards have been notified, but I think this thief was/is from elsewhere, and connected to steam folks.
Any other loco displays in N. Calif been hit recently ?
S'
David D.