I friend of mine just told me that Jerry Jacobson bought both of the late Jack Showalters CP 4-6-2's down in Virginia. He said he heard they sold for $900,000 for the locomotives and spare steam parts, but no coaches.

He said he heard it from a close friend of Sally Showalter (Jacks daughter)

Anyone else have any specifics? This makes 4 of these Pacifics for Age of Steam. He must really love those engines. $900k seems steep unless they are in great shape. Maybe he got the price wrong?

-Ted

Well worth the money. Both engines were in perfect condition last they operated. 1286 is a low mileage engine with a very good boiler. No better pair of engines anywhere, IMNHO.

BTW Sally's last name has not been Showalter for many years.

Glad those G-5s are finding a good home, and it almost sounds like Mr. Jacobson is taking up the idea of standardization in steam!

Of course, now we should "worry" just a bit about the coaches. I recall Mr. Showalter had, among them, a couple of classic heavyweight cars from RF&P; would be a shame to lose those.

What else did he have? It's been ages and ages since I saw the equipment at Cumberland.

I strongly doubt the coaches will be "lost". They will undoubtedly have good future homes.

Howard P.

If true, that would add two more locomotives to AOS that were saved from scrap by legendary gents from the first generation of steam preservationists.

I believe it would increase his count of George Hart locos to three.

If memory serves right he has four that were saved by F Nelson Blount and one saved by Paul Merriman.

I am sure all three of those gents would approve of where these artifacts have ended up.

Rob

I think you'll find that the coaches are quite safe as well. I'm sure the new owners will let us know about it in due time.

ETA

That would put all but two of the preserved CPR Pacifics in Mr. Jacobsen's collection. Quite frankly, I think it's a coup for Mr. J., and bodes nothing but good for the locomotive "species".
However, this is all conjecture, as far as I know. Shouldn't we wait until an official announcement is made?

To officially set this posting correct;

Yes, it is true the we (Age of Steam Roundhouse) are in negotiations for Jack Showalter's two locomotives and parts inventory.......But the sale agreement has not been officially finalized nor is the final sum of the sale.

Legal documents for the sale are currently in preparation and should be completed in the near future.

Thank you all for your interest in the preservation of these fine locomotives and the Age of Steam Roundhouse activities.

TJ Sposato
AOSR

What is the latest with this, does anyone have an update?

Thank you very much for confirming the true story. So nice that someone from AoSR took the time to chime in here.

I recall seeing these 2 locomotives stored next to a warehouse but cant find any
pics online,if I remember right,the passenger cars were stored there too.does
anyone have current photos(within the past 5 years)in storage

Age of Steam has officially withdrawn it's offer for these locomotives account of not coming to mutual terms between both parties. We had tried to consummate the deal, but the decision was made to just step away.

AoSR wishes whom ever the new owner(s) will be, all the best in the purchase and relocation of these fine locomotives.

Please check the classified section for the advertisement for employment at the AoSR.

Thank you
TJ Sposato

I have to believe this is a real loss for the preservation of the 1286 and 1238. That being said, perhaps somebody will come forward with the dollars and capability to move them.

Years ago, when JJJ still had the Ohio Central. a number of tried to get Jerry to purchase these two locomotives from Jack Showalter. We thought it would be great to have four modern 4-6-2's to use in fantrip service. The 1200's are fine for this service and they are a pleasure to fire. When this avenue was explored the asking price was simply too much to justify the purchase. It appears that this must still be the case today. I am sure that the locomotives would have been purchased if the price had been "right."

I hate reading this, but understand if the two sides were unable to come to an agreement. AoSR would have been a good home for these locomotives. I am hopeful that they will end up with a happy fate.