I think you will enjoy this piece History Moment on KVIA in El Paso.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwQs9zvNW_E

Robby Peartree

Well...unlike Galveston, they have actually given it a much better future under cover after extensive out door display. Much better situation than a certain L&A engine...

City of Tucson has done well preserving ex-SP No. 1673, which was donated to the city by the railroad. The locomotive was originally displayed at Himmel Park, but was relocated to the Southern Pacific passenger depot in the 1980s in a joint venture between a group of private citizens and the City. The locomotive sits under a modern, steel pole barn with the sides open for viewing. Protection from vandals is provided by an enclosure consisting of twelve foot high iron fencing and the enclosure is opened during regular museum hours.

Thanks Robbie!
J.David

I am glad to see that another park display locomotive has been moved indoors; where she belongs!

especially one built in 1857!

ted66

EP&SW #1 was placed in a building after the pressure from Mr. John White in the late 1960's. In the early 1990's an executive VP of UTEP called a recent Library donor looking for how the locomotive was placed at the museum. When asked why they were very rude about what they wanted the information for. The city of El Paso currently has a 50 year lease for the locomotive but the constant change of plans for downtown it is uncertain the future of #1. The University of Texas system still has title to the locomotive. There is not a historical designation for the locomotive and Texas does not like to historically designate things on wheels. Southwestern Crane and Rigging and Mr. Conrad's efforts are a bright spot in this saga.
For the record, this locomotive is about 80 to 90% original including the boiler. The boiler has a 6 inch crack in the firebox and for it to run the boiler would need to be replaced. This is a case where the effort to return to operation would do more harm than good.


Robby Peartree