Actually, in Januray 2011, there will be a photo shoot at the meusum. It will involve professional lighting and effects. 3001 and the GG1, and others will be involved. If anyone is interested, please PM me for info.

I did like I said earlier.

You are correct on several points
1. rumors are just that rumors
2. Yes, the 3001 has been contracted to be restored


Ron Troyer Museum Coordinator
National New York Central Railroad MuseumPhone (574) 294-3001
Fax (574) 295-9434
-----Original Message-----
From: Lynn Willer [mailto:dinwitty@xxxxxxx.net]
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2010 2:32 PM
To: info@nycrrmuseum.org
Subject: 3001


rumors flyin about 3001 going to be restored. verify?

-Lynn Willer-


..............


the rumor mill is saying the 261 group not involved, that a group of private businessmen are doing this.

Would be amazing if this came to pass. Whatever happened to the ex-NYC tender that 2101 pulled as an auxiliary when it was on the Chessie Steam Special? That was the same type of tank used on the L3 and L4 Mohawks. The one 3001 has now looks like it's from an L2.

Walt Lankenau

Just me, fantasizing about #3001 set loose in Michigan with the SRI freight cars in tow... That's a dream charter.

Does anyone remember talk about Conrail restoring #3001 back in the 'great steam renaissance' days of the mid-'80s?

I believe the tender you speak of is at Elkhart. I thought I saw it back in the far end of the museum when I visited the facility in 2004.

At the risk of bursting yet another bubble (just call me the Porcupine!), I would point out that "contracted to be restored" could refer simply to a cosmetic restoration and not a restoration to operational condition............

Furthermore, if they had contracted out for a fuller (operational) restoration, we would expect to have heard from an organized fundraising campaign by now, unless someone had an especially lucrative win in an Indiana lottery or casino.......

Not for nothing, but there was the mystery man from California and other figures who were rumored to have purchased #261. Despite many folks claiming online to know who the buyers were, I don't think the names ever spilled.

if we give those "in the know" the benefit of the doubt, there must be at least one person out there interested in big steam who is not known to the masses.

Can I revive my Neil Young rumors? He may want a new toy after the warehouse fire that claimed many of his treasures.

Rob

Back in the 1980's, Conrail had a CEO who wanted to start a steam program. I think his name was Richard Sanborn. The locomotives he wanted for the steam program were NYC 3001, PRR 6755, and a Reading T1. Unfortunately, Mr. Sanborn suffered a heart attack and passed away. His time at Conrail was very short. After that, there was no more interest in a Conrail steam program.

The curved collar on 3001's coal pocket was cut off by the T&P as part of their "transformation" of NYC 3001 into "T&P 909"-- made it look more like an oil-burner's tender.

The current lettering on 3001's cab is unfortunately not correct NYC style; NYC drawings for the "right stuff" do exist and will hopefully be used in any future restoration, cosmetic and/or operating.

The complete story of Dick Sanborn/3001/CR's planned steam program was told on this Board before, including commentary by one of the participants.

Howard P.

As to the CR steam program that never was, Dick Sanborn was not involved - he was still at CSX at the time.

A survey had been done on 3001, with the intention to acquire a lease and operate with a matched set of 10 ex-NYC 29XX series cars, which CR had acquired from Amtrak c1985 in a swap involving, IIRC, a number of CR switchers. The plan was to convert 3001 to burn oil, with work to be done at Reading Shops.

The plan was envisioned by L. Stanley Crane and R. B. Hasselman.

In the Spring of 1986, when NS derailed its excursion train with 611 in the Dismal Swamp, uncertainties as to certain facts and liabilities caused our insurance underwriters to disavow all coverages for these types of passenger excursions, with a chilling effect that lasted several years.

As my current work has me in Elkhart for Cornelius Beaver, I have managed to get by there to look at the engine. Although the engine did appear to have some significant issues, she is very much "equipped, not stripped," and seems to be a fair candidate for restoration (though not a cheap one). Wear to the running gear indicates a very square and true tram from her last shopping, though she has obviously seen MANY miles since then.

The boiler repairs will likely be where the really big $$$ come into play should she ever be restored, though I'd love to see the results of a thorough survey. There will be quite a bit of firebox/combustion chamber work as a substantial amount of the flexible bolt sleeves are rotted off aroung the bolt head. Unless some sort of Flanary-inspired cap design could be used (just a random idea that occurred to me while looking her over - would like to know engineering analysis behind something like that), there will be several hundred flexies to replace. And, if you're going to that much trouble, why not replace interior sheets?

One thing's for sure, though. If she is restored properly, she will be one fast, thoroughly modern, and reliable horse.

I may have to drop by over there tomorrow and poke around...

Okay, so I guess we need clarification on the confirmation: Cosmetic or operational restoration? "Contracted to be restored" could mean nothing more than hiring a painting contractor.

Steve

It certainly is.

Whatever is happening its being kinda secretive, NYC museum hasn't announced publicly. I know some folks to talk to directly so when I see them sometime I will know better.
Given today's circumstances security is a stronger issue which I understand.
765 needed publicity as it took donations to drive its restoration.