Thomas is a good example of traveling steam and there has at least been talk of leasing NKP #765 to sub for PM #1225 during her rebuild and /or subbing for MILW #261. On the horizon, the former Ohio Central steam collection may be available for rent and /or lease in the future.

As for "big steam", I don't have the numbers handy but I'd be interested in seeing a chart of what was running in the every 5 years over the last 40 years. I'd bet the number has not been a consistent decline with "new" engines such as 614, 6325, and 2100 coming (and going) through the decades, as well as even newer engines on the horizon such as ATSF #2926 along with at least 3 Pacifics; B&M #3713, OR&N #197 and another ATSF (#3415). NKP #763 should be back in service, as will NKP #587. There are more as well, as well as a likely replacement for #261.

(This would make for a GREAT "Family Feud" episode!)

Last, as for small steam having the best marketability: Perhaps the owners of RDG #2100 would consider converting her BACK into a 2-8-0 as built! ; )

/Mitch

Good one, Richard! And to think...we were lobbying the city council "into action" back when the economy was booming. Not a prayer of anything happening now.

Stephen

Stephen: You've got a fairly nice photo of her. Close up, the old girl would look so much worse. The night of the presentation, one of the options I suggested was donation to Steamtown. At least she'd be a US heritage Pacific in the collection, and even if torn down, better off than she is today.

Sorry to the others, I didn't mean to hi-jack the thread ("Hands up! I'm taking this locomotive to Cuba!"), but many will re-call, this is a sore subject for Stephen and myself. Mayor LePage, of Waterville is now running for Governor. FWIW, there is still a viable locomotive under all that rust and neglect, if only she was given up to the right party or organization, to defend her.

Thanks for listening, and now we return to your regularly scheduled program....

[quote="Richard Glueck"]Realizing "Friends of 261" is still licking its wounds and settling all accounts, may I inquire if it's too early to request a "short list" of steam locomotives being seriously considered for renovation and long term operation by the re-organized group?[/quote]

Richard,
Settling accounts, "Yes"; licking wounds, "No". This is just an opportunity to see something else operate, should the economics be right.

Doug is correct with his assessment, it is too early to comment on any other potential locomotives. The short list of considerations now revolve around size and age of any candidate (in other words, don't be looking for a 1907 Ten-Wheeler for example), roller bearing equipped, proximity to Minneapolis and lease expense, no-cost loan (donation of locomotive) or outright purchase price. There are trade-offs in which Steve has to weigh the expense of moving the locomotive against the initial outlay. Does a no-cost (donated) locomotive from 1000 or 2000 miles away make more sense than a locomotive with a $10,000 or $20,000 a year lease payment which is 100 miles away? Please don't read anything into the figures or the mileage to attempt to determine any candidates, they don't mean anything. These numbers are all hypothetical.

Now that the RHMA cars are back in Minneapolis from the Ski Train lease, Steve will have more time to concentrate on any trips for 2010, cosmetically restoring 261 for her trip to Green Bay and looking for another locomotive.

Thanks to everyone who believes in mainline steam and who has offered positive and constructive ideas on how to keep it alive in the Minneapolis area. Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

Don C.

Apparently the Gramling's think there is a market for another locomotive. It seems they have another tank engine that should be ready to go this year. This one is an 0-6-0t I think. They also have another going into the shop as soon as this engine is finished.

John Bohon

I agree, its no licking wounds, its an opportunity, mad steam skilled guys on the hunt!!

The best purpose for keeping steam alive is keeping an old technology hot and useful and show the world it still works especially if and when it may be seriously needed. And maybe keep the "Green" minds on the thinking and make use of the technology to make something modern that has been attempted before.

[quote="Richard Glueck"]Stephen: You've got a fairly nice photo of her. Close up, the old girl would look so much worse. The night of the presentation, one of the options I suggested was donation to Steamtown. At least she'd be a US heritage Pacific in the collection, and even if torn down, better off than she is today.

Oh please... many of the Canadian locomotives ran in Vt, NH, and ME during their time. Just what we need, another New England railroad artifact hustled away to PA, most likely to spend its time rusting away, only in a different location. Use the money needed to move the 470 (or other subject...) to restore it, and/or possibly find a location closer to home.

Rome

"Last, as for small steam having the best marketability: Perhaps the owners of RDG #2100 would consider converting her BACK into a 2-8-0 as built! ; )," quoth Mr. Goldman.

The I-10sa-class 2-8-0's from which the Reading T-1's were built were the largest and heaviest 2-8-0 types ever built, larger even than anything the Western Maryland or D&H had in the way of Consolidation types. They exerted 71,000 pounds tractive effort, more than the 68,000 pounds of the T-1's they became. Hardly a small engine....