Yeah, two years ago.......I had forgotten it. No reason to remember, especially since if it didn't work in two years, it probably won't. Maybe they will distribute a new list along with realistic asking prices and get the ball rolling......they probably do need to "right size" like many old school enormous collections of everything out there.

dave

I am not connected to the NRM, but since my last visit the two BL-2 locomotives went to the Arizona Eastern and two Kettle Moraine/Lackawanna coaches went to Virginia City/V&T reconstruction. The Soo caboose is news to me. I don't know what else is leaving the property or is already scrapped.



This was Stephen Syfrett's list from two years ago:

Wow this is an interesting topic... how is the condition of 261? Is it operable? Does it need restoration?

Yes, it is an interesting topic. If you use the search function you will find out how the 261 needs to have major reconstruction done, at the same time being subject to a new lease or ownership agreement. It is a long story, and there is much to be found in our archives on any topic. Welcome to RYPN.

As I understand it, #261 needs about $500,000-700,000 worth of work to recertify the boiler for another 15 years. So, if they were to buy the locomotive for $225,000, and continue operating it, they would have to spend $725,000-925,000.

However, I assume that the Sandberg group has already spent a considerable amount of money in improving the locomotive’s condition over what it was when they leased it from the museum initially. So they already have a significant sunk investment in getting the locomotive to operating condition (aside from the 15-year recertification), and similar restoration cost would be needed for any alternative locomotive that might be available.

So this is my question: Is there any other alternative locomotive available that would be less costly to acquire and operate than #261 at $925,000? Or would any alternative locomotive cost 2-3 times that amount?

I'm curious- if the purchase price for 261 is now $225k, down from $800k, why has Sandberg and his group not snapped it up? Could it be that there is so much bad feeling between Sandberg and the museum that neither party will do business with the other for any price? Has the museum said privately (or otherwise) "The price is $225k for anyone BUT Sandberg and his group?"

Maybe they're waiting for the price to go to $112,000 next week.

Probably list it on ebay with a buy it now price

Then a scrap dealer will get their hands on it.

It's not worth $112K to a scrapper. Get it down to about 1/4 to 1/3 of that and they might be interested, but etting down in that price range makes it worth it just for parts. Not advocating that, just sayin'... Surely getting the price right would make it a no-brainer for the Artists formerly known as Friends of 261. Moving another locomotive to the Twin Cities is going to cost a small bundle and 261 is already there, condition is known, and so on. Much as it would be nice to see a different engine get a chance to run, 261 makes the most sense.

Surely an intermediary double secret agent could get a deal done with so-called management at NRM...