After my last topic that had bad information, I now present that the Age of Steam roundhouse has saved another steamer, only this time it's an army engine. Yes, it's broken down and beat up U.S. Army 612, built in 1943. Supposed to go over seas, but didn't, and stayed in the U.S., later given to the Cass and Scenic railroad. They were looking to operate it, but the track it was supposed to operate on got washed out. In deplorable condition, it was put in storage in Georgia.

Now the Age of Steam guys did it again, and saved another victim of wear and tear. So what do you guys think of this story?

I think it's great, but I have a fondness for USATC Consolidations. Two of her sisters are currently being restored/overhauled for operation in the U.S., Alaska Railroad 557 and Great Smokey Mountains RR 1702. About six more are operational or being overhauled in the U.K. and a couple more in Europe are also supposed to be operational. Around 25 still exist worldwide. Here's hoping that 612 also goes into the queue for overhaul.

Although designed for use in Europe, I suspect that 612 was designated for use in the U.S. 2120 locomotives were made to this design and most went overseas, but about 10 were retained in the U.S. for troop training and operation on military railroads on at least two army posts. 612 and a several others operated on Ft. Eustis and according to an April 3, 2015 post by "elueck," three others operated on Camp Claiborne. Six were supplied new to the Alaska Railroad and six more, including the three Camp Claiborne locomotives, were obtained by the ARR as War surplus. 1702 was probably the only one to be operated in regular service in the U.S. by a non-government railroad. It was apparently obtained through war surplus. It's low USATC number suggests it operated somewhere for the military, but I don't remember seeing anything to suggest where that was.

looks like a very large 2-8-0, trying to track down technical specs.

What are the plans for it and the other locos awaiting complete rebuilds and 1472/15 year inspections ....cosmetic, full restoration, both eventually, neither?

Sorry if it sounds skeptical, but I fear another Nelson Blount episode being set up....though there is a facility, in this case, to restore and house them all, there is still a lot of equipment being "saved", when you look at all the steam and diesel engines, along with dozens of coaches and freight cars on hand. Does the bankroll exist to complete them and will it all remain fluid after JJ is out of the picture?

Even 9 figure bank rolls can be eaten up quickly when you're looking at restoring/maintaining/operating/insuring a collection as large as AOS.

Never say never... Either way.

I'm glad to see that #612 has found a good, new home. Just out of curiosity, who was the previous owner of #612 while she was stored at SERM in Georgia? I had read that Steam Services of America was doing some work on her while she was in Georgia, but am a little unclear as to what that entailed.

In regards to surviving world wide S-160s, I have attached a USATC S-160 roster that I created about a year ago. As far as my concern goes, its very accurate.

Best,
Andrew

Rather than hijack Steamguy73's thread on Age of Steam and USATC #612, I'm starting a new thread titled "USATC "S160" Consolidations."

Age of Steam has a substantial (I never asked how substantial, but Jerry isn't dumb) endowment and some fairly detailed legal arrangements to keep it going for any foreseeable future. Nelson Blount 's death and the subsequent chaos made a deep impression on him.

This might just be me but in my mind what Blount did and what Jerry is doing are similar but different. Blount purchased equipment for his museum and tourist railroad. At least at this point in time Jerry's stance is "WE ARE NOT A MUSEUM. Please do not contact us to ask about tours. Emails asking this question will not be answered."

He hasn't created it as a full blown museum, there aren't any steam rides, (for now)
people just can't come up, park and run around. I thought tho they were doing some tours.

anyways, he prolly has a plan going or he wouldn't be doing all this.

The press release for the purchase of Ohio Central stated it was sold for $219 million. Quite a bit of cash to play with....

Thus far Jerry's Age of Steam appears to follows model of another privately held collection at the San Filippo Estate in Illinois. The San Filippo is open on a limited basis for special events and pre-arranged group tours. Of interest is this statement:



Wesley