Entertaining rumors fine as always but let's keep the unrelated stuff out thank you.

So how 'bout that 261. Do you think Bernard Shakey bought it?

Steve

I was hoping Neil Young was going to announce he bought it on last nights Conan finale... No such luck.

That probably means that the rumor I heard that the purchasers name was Neimenngu Heshburner is probably false too.

As I shared in the other thread that got hijacked by the NNN's ( nattering nabobs of negativism) I only wish I could share the fascinating twists and turns this has taken but I must reserve most of that for my upcoming book.

Suffice it to say that when you learn who the buyer is you'll be very surprised to say the least!!

You'll also be fascinated by the behaviour of the NRM and how it has honored ( or not) its mission statement!!

More later!!

Ross Rowland

I can tell you with absolute certainty it was not Tom Payne that purchased it, as suggested in the previous thread. I got that straight from him.

Your welcome here Ross, you're important.

The signals looks like 261 may make a comeback in whatever form, the ordeal with NRM has caused the turn of events. The soap opera continues. 8-D

Well obviously the best outcome would be that we get both the 261 AND another big engine out on the road. It has been reported that while there has been discussion between Mr. Sandberg and the new owner, they did not involve a new lease. So the idea that the former Fo261 group might continue to pursue a new locomotive should not be dismissed just yet and we may yet get the wish expressed above. If that is the case let us hope a new 261 operator is as competent as Fo261. It would not surprise me if the new owner contracted with the former Friends to perform the needed boiler work.

Oh, and just to acknowledge Ross's "nattering nabobs of negativism" lest anyone wonder, it was something that Spiro Agnew (Nixon's Veep and attack dog before he had to resign in a bribery scandal) said in a William Safire-written speech. It became a sort of trademark expression. That and "pusillanimous pussyfooters." Hehe.

Steve

I will note--with just a touch of cynicism--that there has been nothing published in the Green Bay Press-Gazette about this locomotive and/or its lease dilemma/return/sale since November 28th. I wonder if they received the press release?

The museum is probably working around the clock on how to spin the sale so it does not resemble the truth. Just a few weeks ago it was a very important artifact that was central to it's mission and now it's sold like a used car with a bad transmission. It might look as they are not really all that credible of a museum and the paid staff is selling off parts to fund a salary machine. I think that was suggested by some here.

On the flip side maybe they have decided that "less is more" and one less big steamer is not going to hurt to the overall collection and mission and they are less likely to have to deal with a junkyard appearance in the future.

This latest news about 261 is a refreshing light at the end of the tunnel. When I first heard last autumn that operation of the 261 was going to cease, I became extremely disappointed and saddened. I've been riding behind and supporting 261 since the first days of the original restoration in 1993. I found it difficult to imagine with all the folks out there across the USA who love and support this magnificent steam locomotive that nobody would step forward to purchase her and keep her running. If I was a millionaire, I certainly would have approached NRM to make a generous offer, then I immediately would have turned right around and offered Mr. Sandberg ANY type of operating agreement he was comfortable with as long as he agreed to let me ride in the cab every now and then......heh, heh.....

As far as I'm concerned, Steve Sandberg is an American hero for doing everything possible a man can do to preserve what operating big steam is all about. It's an important chapter in the history of what helped build a great America and I feel it's very important younger generations be exposed to this history in all its original glorious form. The equipment and SKILLS associated with this history MUST be passed on to future generations.

If you want to see some great operating footage of 261, I highly recommend the SVS film on DVD entitled "Ride the Milwaukee Road with 261". The producers of the film mounted a high quality video cam right inside the cab which allows you to see all the "in cab" crew action of what it takes to make 261 fly on the rails at high speed as well as spectacular camera shots of what it's like to sit behind her throttle at high speed.

It would be wonderful if 261 can be preserved in operating condition. If Steve Sandberg and his crew can find another big steamer to restore and operate, I would be happy to support that in any way possible as well. Wouldn't it be a stomach tingling experience to see him and his crew sitting behind the throttle of something like a Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Steam Locomotive No. 227 which sits in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum? I realize I'm a big dreamer but just sayin.....Ha..ha...If anybody deserves the privilege of driving the most powerful operating steam train in the world it should be him. I really don't care what engine he restores and operates....I would be happy to shake his hand and congratulate him in ALL his successes of big steam preservation.

Jim

Maybe someone should clue them in on this.....in great detail.....

Right now this story has more layers than an onion, and more stuff must be coming out soon. All I can say is I'm glad all this did not come out in April.....

Ooooooooh............ inspiration......... heh heh heh heh heh........... >;-D

I see you working...........

You know very well a certain nearby Museum (since it officially is one now) that went through the "liquidation stage for salary" in the late 80's-early 90's. Thankfully it was reorganized and realized the "less is more" stage, shortly afterward and now is running itself properly. It all has to do with the mananagment of each organization and the prioritization of the Museum's board of Directors (if they at NRM have such) and their dedication to said mission statement.