Decided to ask and got this response:

These are standard gauge. They need ultrasound on the boilers and they should be good to go. They will not need a total overhaul. There are also cars and lots and lots of extra parts. If you would like to inspect they are in VA. Price is around $1.5M. Owner will look at offers, a set price hasnt been set yet. They are on live rail and have rollers on the pilot and trailing trucks. Please let me know if you need more info. My friend and mechanic Bill Golsand has inspected them and can speak with you if you like.
James

Let the speculation continue.....

No speculation required. That answer confirms it completely, as far as those of us knowledgeable about the rail preservation/steam scene are concerned.

And, as I recall, they've been discussed to "dead horse" status before.

Nice engines especially the last they ran. But this falls under the classic example of "anything can run with money". I'm not a naysayer however I can take one of the lost engines of Roanoke (no disrespect intended) and say it can be up and running in 6 months if someone will come forward and pay for it. Unless they put together a total game plan of what is needed, I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. I've heard way too many cases of " It just needs a boiler inspection" and the thing turns out to be a basket case. I'm not here slamming people with good intentions, but come up with a total game plan first. Please do your homework. I say this a lot: It never hurts to dream, but it may hurt to live your dream (money, time, effort, etc.).

Would love to see both 1238 and 1286 returned to service as "partners", not one running and one as a parts supply. Elegant light Pacifics, modern steam design, fan trip queens of the late 60's in CPR paint.

Classic lines....

Referring to their esthetics or to the verbal representations?

OK, please explain to me how just doing a thickness test to retired boilers is equivalent to doing all required work to comply with the Form 4 regulation? Or am I mistaken in thinking that they are retired, but are still on the clock with up to date paperwork filed in a timely way?

I think any representation of fitness to run needs to be backed up with this kind of detailed full disclosure. There are few insular roads that could make use of these locomotives.

dave