Although most Pennsy engines are in Strasburg, most likely never to run again, if you could restore any pennsy engine to operating condition, which one would it be? For those who don't know about surviving pennsy engines go to steamlocomotive.com where there have a list of surviving pennsy engines. Please tell me why you would want the locomotive to be restored if you can.

I would like to see the L-1 2-8-2 Mikado because the Interstate Railroad had two before they were taken over by the Southern Railway in the early 1960s.The L-1 could run in the southeast as an Interstate loco and up north in PRR markings.Look at engine #14 in the following gallery: http://hobbystop.tripod.com/id2.html#photo368785

I suspect that you will get a much better response to hypothecial restoration questions on Trainorders or other popular railfan sites. Most of the folks here will be glad to talk realistic restoration, but tend not to spend much energy on dreams that are way out there.

And please don't anyone suggest a K4s for restoration.

Tom

PRR built LIRR 39, as it is sitting in the Strasburg shop as we speak waiting repair


I know keep dreaming, why I moved on to supporting the Nevada Northern and there projects

Anthony

Limit it to merely one? That's a tall order. Since both LIRR G5's are in the restoration process, I feel confident we can have them. The 460 is just too beautiful, so she's another I'd like to see fired. Considering her condition, and the amount of Bondo being picked out of her at the present, scratch the E6s. The L1 Mike has the best boiler of the bunch, iirc. Still, Mikes are fairly common, though not Pennsy Mikes. In the end, I'd have to say #4483, the I1sa Decapod.Watching her drag some hoppers would be a treat to behold.

Actually the I1s in New York can be a reaslistic restoration since it isn't in the hands of the state of Pennsylvania and when I read about stuff here many people talk about the restoration of 614 which sadly is more fiction than fact.

What a joyfully pointless thread! It matters not in the least what locomotive I or anyone else thinks "should" be restored. What matters is this: are there people with the necessary skills, tools, money and desire to restore a particular locomotive? If not, then NO amount of silly bloviating will get a locomotive restored.

You want a PRR locomotive restored? Learn the skills necessary, pick one, obtain custody/control (good luck with that), raise the money, and DO IT.

Well since I'm only fourteen I can still kinda dream and if I was to get into a situation where I could restore a Pennsy locomotive I would want to know what one people would want to see running first. There are plenty of pennsy steam fans who are dying to see a Pennsy engine run for a good amount of time and I'm sure would help contribute to the restoration of one. Don't forget the oringinal 1361 restoration took a record short 11 months but sadly didn't get much running time and Pennsy fans want to see some real Pennsy steam now!

Build a new one from scratch. Design it with modern technology, proper and updated boiler calculations and stay design, roller bearings, superior burning technology, PTC, diesel MU controls, etc., but the outward appearance of a PRR original.

A PRR "K6s" would be commercially viable for the likes of the Strasburg, Grand Canyon, etc. An "M2a" would work for a NS mainline program. And a PRR "T2" would capture attention, imagination, publicity, and maybe a Hollywood contract that could underwrite part of its construction costs.

So, who's buying Powerball Lottery tickets?

From the Interchange guidelines:


That said, because you are looking for a direction to go with restoration as a young man, I would suggest that you get involved at any of your many rail operations to learn railroading and steam. Then move forward on these dreams as you grow into maturity. For a Pennsy steamer, how about Waynesburg and Washington #4 (PRR 9664). It is a nice looking small narrow gauge 2-6-0 which could be used at the EBT and possibly for rebuilding part of the old W&W.

Although that looks like a nice locomotive, I'm not that interested in narrow gauge locomotives. As for what you said, I will be voulunteering at the Pine Creek Railroad (which is narrow gauge) for steam experence and getting to know stuff that I already don't know about steam locomotives. However, as we all know, experence has now where near as much importance to restoring steam locomotives as money does, which is why I hope to become a doctor.

Ahh, the W&W #4. I saw her under steam in the early 1980s after her restoration, and since I grew up in Washington, PA and have followed the ROW many times, I have a soft spot for her. And like O Anderson wrote, she did wear a PRR number, narrow gauge or not. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFEM9huy4-g

I believe that part of the new line to the Bailey Mine was built on the old W&W ROW.

Ahh, the W&W #4. I saw her under steam in the early 1980s after her restoration, and since I grew up in Washington, PA and have followed the ROW many times, I have a soft spot for her. And like O Anderson wrote, she did wear a PRR number, narrow gauge or not. :)

I tell you what, If I can't get any regular gauge Pennsy steam engine running or I'm not that rich I'll try to get this locomotive on a good narrow gauge railroad.

Over at NGDF they determined that it takes "cubic money" to restore a steam locomotive. I hope that helping people stay healthy and recover from illness is another factor for your motivation! Good to hear that you have plans. I think that some experience at a steam railroad like Pine Creek, even if it is only for a little while before you finish schooling, will help you develop some perspective about the ins and outs of railroad restoration work. It can help you understand it, if you wish to support projects in the future.

Best of luck to ya,
O.