Big buys and big moves this week of April 1.

The Timber Heritage Association has acquired a new "Green" environmentally friendly locomotive. "This should shut up some of the eco-haters, and it's entirely correct for the Northwestern Pacific, which was an electric railroad after all." The group is not worried about the weight, as the 4-6+6-4 unit spreads the weight more evenly than the classic SD-9. "The GG-1 should ride like a yacht," a representative said. The group's intentions are to ship the unit up the reopened NWP mainline. The line is not officially open north of Ukiah, but the group is certain the line can be made passable for a one-time hospital move. "How bad can it be?"

The Steam Foundation in Pasco, Washington has been scouring the United States looking for a steam locomotive to restore. "We're not picky about road; any will do. We have the money, but owners just aren't selling." They finally gave up. Instead, they set their sights on NYS&W #142 (first), a locomotive of Chinese origin. Just one problem: It's not on rail, it's in Davy Jones' Locker, having been lost when the ship carrying it sank in the 1980s. Having located the ship, they have leased the Glomar Explorer for reclamation.

The 15 historic boxcars located at Indian Head, Maryland, are on the road to preservation. An organization expert in truck moves placed a last-minute bid and won the lot. Now they're raising funds to move the equipment to Pemberton, where it is expected they will be warmly received.

Nice....

But you forgot the announcement that the UP is going to sell 8444 to the artiste Koons to hang over High Line in NYC....because he really wants to make a BIG statement....

Craig Brinkman

Actually, he is thinking of slicing Reading 2100 down the middle and hanging one at each end of the line. 2100 is available at the right price and with all the work it needs it will never run again anyway, cheaper than recreating a 2900.

Mike Tillger

Poor 2100 is the Rodney Dangerfield of steam locomotives...

You all forgot to close your statements with "April fools." Wasn't that what was decided last year?

Later!
mr. Ed