NG Plantation Engines Returned to Maui

Rick Rowlands · **Posted:** Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:30 am

So these locomotives were deemed unrestorable in 1961 and sat all that time until someone came along with the desire and a plan to restore these locomotives. Fortunately the people who want to see PRR 4876 scrapped were nowhere near these two little baldwins or they would have been melted down decades ago.

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Mon Dec 26, 2011 11:52 am

Get this through your head(s):

Recognizing the bitter reality of the current 4876 situation (ain't wanted where she is, ain't gonna go to WUT, not likely to move on its wheels, no one's come forth with a restoration plan, there are lots of others elsewhere) is NOT the same as "want to see it scrapped".

You think 4876 shouldn't be scrapped? Then come up with a workable plan--including financing--that prevents it from happening. You have several options to choose from. Pursue.

Fred Probst · **Joined:** Wed Nov 30, 2011 12:25 am **Posts:** 6

Hi John,

That is interesting, and I may have the answer behind the cancellation of the locomotives shortly.

I discovered that the "Railway and Locomotive Historical Society" has an article in one of their booklets about "Frederick Probst & Company" building one of the earliest railroads in Hawaii. Hopefully it will answer several questions in regard to the sugar train locomotives and the railway.

I've ordered the booklet and it should be here this week. Will let you know what I discover.

Fred

Rick Rowlands · **Posted:** Mon Dec 26, 2011 6:32 pm

The plan would be to conserve it until a plan comes forth! I've already volunteered to get my hands dirty to bring a conservation plan to fruition. Someone with closer ties to the B&O Museum make the arrangements and I will show up with equipment and time to get the job done. I'll even do the project under the wing of our nonprofit including temporarily extending our liability insurance policy to cover the work.

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2011 11:22 am

Hot Metal wrote:

The plan would be to conserve it until a plan comes forth!

Otherwise known as "kicking the can down the road." I'd much rather see that degree of effort expended on AFT 1 or the F-M switcher, or any of several B&O heavyweight cars.

My expectation is that the Museum in question will want to see a more comprehensive proposal than the one you suggest. But, hey, don't let us stop you from contacting the Museum and seeing what they say to your proposal.