Both the CNJ painted F3's and the RDG FP7's arrived at Steamtown in the second half of 2009. This is not new news but with 2317 being almost out of service time it is very likely that more vintage diesels will operate in Scranton this year. And that isn't counting the vintage Alco's of the neighboring Delaware Lackawanna. For those who didn't photograph the CNJ F3's the oportunity has mostly disappeared.

Rich

Nice picture!

I just heard that Steamtown will use 2317 as a static display, and once 3713 is restored, 2317 will go for her 1472 day inspection.. .and once thats finished 3254 will no longer be in service... is this true?

Rich, you forgot to say why opportunity was fading - one, if not both units are going to be painted into a Delaware Lackawanna livery and amazingly, put to work! It will be sad to see the CNJ scheme go, however - they sure looked great, especially parked (and running) on home rails in and around Jim Thorpe, PA. Wonder what's in store for the CNJ painted "B" unit in Jersey?

As for Steam at Steamtown, maybe Dave can chime in here. Steamtown likely does not need 4 working steam engines (and the costs) once #3713 and #26 running. Baldwin #26 will run the yard and from what I was told some time back by a ranger, #3713 will be reserved for "special events". Question is; which of the two remaining engines bests suites Steamtown's needs? #3254 or #2317? I heard #3254 was a "rough rider" (or was that #2317?). You can bet if #2317 is put back in service #3254 will likely sit it out until one of the other engine's time expires or is possibly sold, traded or taken off the property.

Rich, you forgot to say why opportunity was fading - one, if not both units are going to be painted into a Delaware Lackawanna livery and amazingly, put to work!

The reason I said fading opportunity is because work started a couple weeks ago renewing significant parts of the bodies in preparation for a new paint job to both units later this spring. The Anthracite Railroads Historical Society and Tri State NRHS are working together on a collaborative effort to repaint both units into DL&W colors. This fall will mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the DL&W with the merger with the Erie.
All the rusted panels on #57 have already been removed and #56 has been inside the roundhouse for a couple weeks having body work done. Both units are operational with only a couple minor problems such as bad starting batteries in #57.

Rich

That would be ex-B&M F7B 4268 ?

Stephen

Of course, neither of these F3's were originally CNJ so short of returning them to their BAR colors they can be whatever their owners (and their donors) want them to be.

The Delaware Lackawanna is working on returning a fourth RS3 to service and this one will be painted into one of its CNJ schemes as an authentic CNJ unit. The DL is involved with another historic anthracite Alco project that is hopefully coming too Scranton soon.

Haven't heard anyhting about eventually retiring the 3254. Those replica DL&W units are going to look sharp, especially in the DL&W freight scheme, which hasn't been seen on the rails in 50 odd years!

Dave

Yes that would be the exB&M 4268B. Plans are for it to join the A units later this year.

Speaking of CNJ, there is a ALCO RS-3 being rebuilt 2 miles away and it will be painted into the CNJ "Toothpaste" scheme
John

Do the F3's and FP7's run?

Yes, or at least all were operable quite recently. At worst, unless there's been some undiscussed failure of some sort, they should just need routine maintenance to run.

All were stored serviceable prior to the winter weather last year.

Oh that's great news. Can't wait to see any of them operating!

Follow the Tri-State NRHS chapter on Facebook to see the great work being done to their "CNJ" F-3 as it becomes a "DL&W" F-3. They are doing a serious amount of body work.

Rob

I joined the group on Facebook. progress looks like it's coming along very smoothly.