Do the numbers on relocation, paint, and storage costs first. Then, if those numbers don't scare the bejayzus out of you, make that offer.

You'd have to ask VMT that, but I think that figure is probably too low. And you'd better have $10k-$15k or so at least for moving it. It would probably need a lot of work to prep it for movement.

My notes show that the Eastern Idaho Railroad has/had 2 nee-PRR SD-45 units that haven't been mentioned in this thread? Does anyone know their current disposition? Unlike most other former PRR units discussed here, my notes do not show that they passed through an rebuild/upgrade program.

http://www.thedieselshop.us/WAMX.HTML

In regards to the discussion of other SD-45 units - There are several SD-45s preserved, that vary in condition and rebuilt state. However preserving a PRR SD-45 would build on prior efforts to preserve PRR motive power. Preserving a PRR SD-45 preserves the opportunity to show how another generation of PRR managers selected motive power to meet the challenge of operating the PRR - following in the footsteps of those who selected 4-4-0, 2-10-2, 4-6-2, 4-8-2, and GP-7 units. Few other railroads have preserved locomotives that offers an opportunity to interpret over a century of motive power strategy.

Thomas Cornillie

Yeah, ask the acquaintances of mine that accepted the offer of a "free" six-axle locomotive, and then found they had to replace all the vandalized/stolen copper air brake piping. They ended up spending a couple grand in black-iron piping, skilled labor (even with guys pitching in at dirt-cheap rates--I know, I was one of them), and valves just to replace the bare minimum functionality. And you have a choice between expedited shipment (someone hustles the thing and shadows it the whole way--expensive) or "when they get to it" shipping (can take weeks, during which anything can happen--I once saw a shipped car end up halfway across the nation in the wrong direction).

You can arguably do this already at RRMPA with the aforementioned GP30. The other problem is that the original poster wasn't thinking of working with an existing organization, he wanted to create his own group to get one.

One could ask RRMPA or other PRR related group if they would be interested in an SD45 and see where it goes.

I would think that a project like the LV U23B project, which is already started and well along would be a better project to try and get finished first. Did we determine if the Sayre group is still indeed planning to complete this project if the funds are found?

If this list wants to pick a few worthwhile projects to contribute to, I would be willing to participate.

I would love to see the last EL GP35 still on the Eastern Idaho saved and brought back east, but time will tell as to its fate.

Sayre as far as I know has put the U23b on the priority list finally. I'm thinking they are 50% of the way of their 5K goal. Should this thread have the topic changed to ANY locomotives that are "preserved" but need funds, or stay on topic since, as I have said earlier, Another SD45 put into the current 6 at museums wouldn't hold well in this economy.

For example, in Albany, NY, the final U25b that exists outside the hands of a museum is rusting away and is probably a lost cause. Unless funds come up within the next few years and a plan is set aside for it(I.E. u25b goes to RRMPA and is restored to PC livery)than scrapping it might be the only thing it would be good for.

It depends on the interpretive possibilities that one would want to pursue. EMD marketed their GP and SD product lines as being optimized to different traffic and grades. Moreover, the SD-45 was promoted as offering a 2-for-3 replacement over earlier GP and F units. ALCO and Baldwin marketed their larger steam locomotives in much the same way

Should a SD40-2, C39-8, SD-80, etc be preserved at some point in the future- it would continue the story of achieving greater efficiency and productivity.

In thinking about this further - aside from the SD-40 and SD-45, how many other 3-axle PRR freight units are extant? The GE and ALCO contemporaries of these models were extinct by the early 1980s, along with earlier EMD, ALCO, and Baldwin models. The only unit that comes to mind is the former Madison hill SD-7 which was chop-nosed by TRRA (slugs don't count).

Thomas Cornillie

So the real question is are you going to help the organization in Sayre with fundraising? If you are interested in saving a locomotive, this would probably be a good example of how it's done, and then you can get your hands dirty by helping take part in the cosmetic restoration.

It's one thing to type up and expound on grand plans via the internet, it's quite another to actually get involved. Seems to be, like you helping them reach their goal by finding donors, and working with the organization is a good way to get started.

When I said 50% to 5k, that's just the cost to get it moved to Sayre. I can't get hands on with the restoration either because I live 6 hours away. The most I can do for now is find potential donors. The 501(c) status might get a few more people to donate these days because who doesn't want a tax refund?

http://gold.mylargescale.com/scottychao ... rkcentral/

The name on the link is misleading. It also includes known surviving PRR/PC locomotives.

FWIW: I just got a bill from CSX for over $2,600 to move a locomotive less than 100 miles.

My understanding of the LV U23B project is that is was to be painted by GE capital as a donation, but this may be wrong or have changed. If this project is indeed still alive we should do what we can to get it to completion. We can go after a new project later.

Always puzzled as to why the "interpretation" of a locomotive always seems to involve operation-especially one as large and specialized as an SD-45.

At the time of introduction, the SD-45 was (among other things) the supreme manifestion of EMD's unit reduction marketing strategy, meant for application in high speed freight service. Santa Fe's Super C or EL's UPS trains are two applications that come to mind.

So, how is one unit pulling a group of freight cars on Class 1 track...interpretation ?

Also consider that both the SD-40 and 45 skewed EMD's carefully crafted one on one trade-in arrangement-one B-B for one B-B.

Seems to me that if one wanted to REALLY 'interpret' an SD-45, models might be the way to go. A pair of models pulling a 'Truc-Train' displayed next to a four unit set of F-7's or GP-9's pulling the PRR's hottest train of the 50's would do the job for a smaller outlay of cash. And...

Don't forget to work the guys who ran and fixed the units into the mix....

Except for one fellow-hardly ever see any mention of that sort of thing here.

While I am certain that many here will have their own definitions, for me the essence of interpretation is helping someone who knows nothing about an object understand why it was once important. The story of the guys who ran and fixed the units is indispensable - along with the story of the executives, analysts, salesman, accountants who selected the unit and ultimately recommended its retirement.

Models are a great way to show how a locomotive (or whatever) fit into a larger picture. However, for understanding what it was like to built, operate, maintain a locomotive - nothing compares to having the real thing to help future generations understand what the past was like.

Thomas Cornillie