Decade of the 2-8-0 Consolidation?

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

Les Beckman wrote:

I started this thread back in April of 2011 pointing out the possible new restorations of a number of 2-8-0's to active service in this new decade (beginning in 2011). A few people pointed out restorations of locomotive types other than Consolidations, and there were also some engines that were added that were later taken off of the list. One of the later was Duluth & Northeastern #28 (ex-DM&IR #332), which had apparently been test fired (as per a different thread) but then was reported as not being restored to active service after all. Now it turns out, as per the North Shore Scenic Railroad website, that the engine is indeed being restored to active service. Also, Alaska Railroad #557 is now confirmed as undergoing a very active restoration by the railroad itself. So, I thought I would update this list. The engine that started this whole idea was Central of Georgia 2-8-0 #509. It remains on this list, although there apparently have been no active efforts to restore it, only a commitment by the Hartwell Railroad to one day actually start such an effort. And of course, the news that the boys in Owosso, Michigan have apparently started work on their 2-8-0. So here goes, with corrections again being welcomed:

Alaska Railroad #557 (ex-U.S. Army) in Anchorage, Alaska

Black River & Western (ex-Great Western) #60 in Flemington, New Jersey

Central of Georgia #509 in Macon, Georgia (possible restoration by Hartwell Railroad)

Duluth & Northeastern #14 in Fillmore, California

Duluth & Northeastern #28 in Cloquet, Minnesota (for North Shore Scenic Railroad)

Great Western #75 in Heber City, Utah

Mississippian (ex-SLSF) #76 in Owosso, Michigan

Sierra Railroad #28 in Jamestown, California

Southern #154 in Knoxville, Tennessee

Southern #401 in Monticello, Illinois

Southern #630 in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Union Pacific #428 in Union, Illinois

If I count correctly, that makes 11. Anyone got another active 2-8-0 project to make it an even dozen?

Les

I've added Sierra 28 to the list since there is an active rebuild going on. That makes it 12. Hopefully the 1702 will be added one day in the near future.

Les

Kevin Moore · **Joined:** Sun Aug 17, 2008 1:18 am **Posts:** 21

Alaska Railroad #557 Restoration should make it an even dozen !

http://www.alaskarails.org/pix/former-loco/557/

Kevin Moore, Clarion PA

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

Kevin -

Note on the above list that the 557 is already part of the dozen 2-8-0's.

Les

southern154 · **Joined:** Mon Jun 24, 2013 12:54 pm **Posts:** 320

Les Beckman wrote:

I started this thread back in April of 2011 pointing out the possible new restorations of a number of 2-8-0's to active service in this new decade (beginning in 2011). A few people pointed out restorations of locomotive types other than Consolidations, and there were also some engines that were added that were later taken off of the list. One of the later was Duluth & Northeastern #28 (ex-DM&IR #332), which had apparently been test fired (as per a different thread) but then was reported as not being restored to active service after all. Now it turns out, as per the North Shore Scenic Railroad website, that the engine is indeed being restored to active service. Also, Alaska Railroad #557 is now confirmed as undergoing a very active restoration by the railroad itself. So, I thought I would update this list. The engine that started this whole idea was Central of Georgia 2-8-0 #509. It remains on this list, although there apparently have been no active efforts to restore it, only a commitment by the Hartwell Railroad to one day actually start such an effort. And of course, the news that the boys in Owosso, Michigan have apparently started work on their 2-8-0. So here goes, with corrections again being welcomed:

Alaska Railroad #557 (ex-U.S. Army) in Anchorage, Alaska

Black River & Western (ex-Great Western) #60 in Flemington, New Jersey

Central of Georgia #509 in Macon, Georgia (possible restoration by Hartwell Railroad)

Duluth & Northeastern #14 in Fillmore, California

Duluth & Northeastern #28 in Cloquet, Minnesota (for North Shore Scenic Railroad)

Great Western #75 in Heber City, Utah

Mississippian (ex-SLSF) #76 in Owosso, Michigan

Sierra Railroad #28 in Jamestown, California

Southern #154 in Knoxville, Tennessee

Southern #401 in Monticello, Illinois

Southern #630 in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Union Pacific #428 in Union, Illinois

If I count correctly, that makes 11. Anyone got another active 2-8-0 project to make it an even dozen?

Les

I've added Sierra 28 to the list since there is an active rebuild going on. That makes it 12. Hopefully the 1702 will be added one day in the near future.

Les

And maybe after 1702, 722 will be added to the list (hopefully).

rggreter · **Posted:** Thu Mar 13, 2014 9:58 pm

Les Beckman wrote:

...And of course, the news that the boys in Owosso, Michigan have apparently started work on their 2-8-0.

Not just the boys - don't forget about the ladies!

TimReynolds · **Joined:** Sat Aug 31, 2013 4:11 pm **Posts:** 287

Here is a photo I found of Central of Georgia 509 under the roof.

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

Tim -

Looking a bit worse for wear in this shot taken about a year ago:

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=3407052

Les

TimReynolds · **Joined:** Sat Aug 31, 2013 4:11 pm **Posts:** 287

Les, Thanks for the link - yikes. Bout all you can say is at least the jacket and insulation aren't trapping water against the boiler since its out in the open.

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

rggreter wrote:

Les Beckman wrote:

...And of course, the news that the boys in Owosso, Michigan have apparently started work on their 2-8-0.

Not just the boys - don't forget about the ladies!

Rich -

The recent postings by SRI about the 14-21 year old boys and girls of Explorer Post 1225 restoring Mississippian (ex-Frisco) 2-8-0 #76, makes me wonder if this is a cosmetic restoration, rather than a restoration to operable status. The photos on the SRI website show some nice work being done, but don't really say one way or the other. I am not questioning whether a young group such as this could actually restore the locomotive to operation, but just whether that is the actual intention of the group. If only a cosmetic restoration is what is currently being done, then I think I would have to remove the 76 from this particular thread.

Les

bigjim4life · **Posted:** Tue Apr 22, 2014 12:56 pm

Les Beckman wrote:

rggreter wrote:

Les Beckman wrote:

...And of course, the news that the boys in Owosso, Michigan have apparently started work on their 2-8-0.

Not just the boys - don't forget about the ladies!

Rich -

The recent postings by SRI about the 14-21 year old boys and girls of Explorer Post 1225 restoring Mississippian (ex-Frisco) 2-8-0 #76, makes me wonder if this is a cosmetic restoration, rather than a restoration to operable status. The photos on the SRI website show some nice work being done, but don't really say one way or the other. I am not questioning whether a young group such as this could actually restore the locomotive to operation, but just whether that is the actual intention of the group. If only a cosmetic restoration is what is currently being done, then I think I would have to remove the 76 from this particular thread.

Les

Directly from the SRI's Facebook page:

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

Okay, I'll leave the 76 on the list. Hopefully, the group will make progress on the restoration to operational condition. I understand that members will be available this Friday (April 25th) at Owosso to interview about their work on the Consolidation, according to an e-mail sent out by SRI.

Les

Mr.Starr · **Joined:** Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:41 am **Posts:** 100

Not sure if anyone included this one ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcade_%26_Attica_18

Mr. Starr

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

Mr. Starr -

Thanks for your note. This thread was started in April of 2011 to point out some 2-8-0's that might be being restored to operation. Arcade & Attica Consolidation #18 was running at that time (after a long restoration) so would not have been included. She sure is a pretty thing though and I'm really glad she didn't end up in Cuba as was originally planned.

Les

rggreter · **Posted:** Wed Apr 23, 2014 3:47 pm

Quote:

Rich -

The recent postings by SRI about the 14-21 year old boys and girls of Explorer Post 1225 restoring Mississippian (ex-Frisco) 2-8-0 #76, makes me wonder if this is a cosmetic restoration, rather than a restoration to operable status. The photos on the SRI website show some nice work being done, but don't really say one way or the other. I am not questioning whether a young group such as this could actually restore the locomotive to operation, but just whether that is the actual intention of the group. If only a cosmetic restoration is what is currently being done, then I think I would have to remove the 76 from this particular thread.

Les

Les,

I can assure you that the goal of this project is indeed a restoration to operable condition. We are focusing on the cosmetic right now because we intend to have the locomotive on display at TrainExpo in June. We'll have a good coat of protective primer on the boiler and at least have the running gear cleaned up enough to appear presentable. One of the Explorers had a great idea to use the cab of 76 as a concession stand during the Expo and so we spent part of last Saturday sand blasting and priming to get it ready to use.

After the boiler is protected and the running gear cleaned and inspected, they will be able to spend some time reviewing the findings and developing a plan for the work to be done. This will not be a quick and easy restoration, nor an inexpensive one. The key to its success will be a persistent and focused eye on the end goal. The enthusiasm and energy that these young people have is unbelievable and leave no doubt in my mind that 76 will run again. We have not set a timeline for the project, but my personal goal for the group would be to have the engine operable before our current youngest member graduates from high school.

I hope that sheds a little light on what we are all about. If you'd like to know more or have additional questions, don't hesitate to ask.

JohnnyWinkler · **Joined:** Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:32 pm **Posts:** 85

How disapointing to see that Central of Georgia 509 once had a roof but lost it. Just goes to show fighting to get a roof on your local loco does not garauntee it will always keep it.