Well, Maine Central 470, naturally, but Here I'm thinking of locomotives which have been proposed for operation but need both cash and enthusiasm to see them in a reputable shop. My first submission is LIRR G5s #39. The boiler is at Strasburg, there's a competent shop, plan, and staff. Another is NH&I 1533 which is comatose on the table. How about one of the NYC Mohawks? Neither has been nominated, but whew, what a draw one of those would be.

It is actually surprising considering how famous the NYC is with railfans and the model railroad community etc that a NYC steam locomotive hasn't run at all during the railfan/tourist steam era 1960s-present.

The issue with an NYC 4-8-2 is once again, where will it run. That would be quite the sight to see though.

There's what maybe 2-4 places in the Eastern US that a large road locomotive can actually "run" more than 15-20 mph.

PRR 5550 and 1361 are in great hands. 5550 definitely deserves more attention than it gets.

I actually disagree with you on 1533. There are good people at New Hope, but they have neither the time nor the facilities to restore 1533. Last I heard, they are planning a new engine shop capable of restoring both 1533 and 3028, but until then I think 40 will do them fine.

PRR 60 is in a sorry state. I’d love to see an organization restore her.

I second LIRR 39. It’ll look great running to Paradise, and especially great at Leeman Junction under the PRR wire.

Literally anything rotting away at Steamtown.

Literally any of the surviving camelbacks would be fantastic to see in operation. CNJ 592, Lackawanna 952, RDG 4, etc. It’s a shame none operate; they’re a very interesting kind of locomotive.

The problem with LIRR 39 is that it's a tough sell given its situation. I can imaging fans of the LIRR being a bit cool to the idea of donating to something that will likely never run on the island.

Then there's the concept that donations to it are going to help pay a for-profit company to restore and operate it.

There is definitely logic behind the agreement between Strasburg and Railroad Museum of Long Island, and it's likely one of the only scenarios that will get a LIRR steam locomotive operational, but it's not ideal from a donor standpoint.

The fact that fundraising wise, they are substantially farther from the target than when they started, bears this out.

Roger

I agree with all of the above choices, particularly LIRR 39, given the circumstances. There is so much potential there, and a good deal of work that has already been done, that it would be a terrible shame if it never returned to operation.

Given the limited use NH & I # 40 now sees, it's hard to imagine them investing more money in steam restorations. I would love to be proven wrong, however.

John

*

Is this should not? Or cannot?

How about "why not"?

Having watched the comments here for several years now, it is surprising to me how frequently the idea of sinking resources into yet another locomotive comes up. Often the subject locomotive is in rough shape or has already been involved in one or more aborted restoration attempts. My vote would be to get behind the projects and groups that are proving themselves to be viable, whether it be Maine Central #470 or Alaska Railroad #557. In my opinion, supporting a smaller number of restorations which are progressing towards completion is preferable to spreading the support over a large number of locomotives that may never be completed.

Many years ago - around the time that new ownership took over in New Hope, and the #40 was restored - I was told by people at the NH&I that the 1533 had been the subject of some very poor boiler work over the years, involving cutting of holes in the boiler - making it a very unlikely candidate for restoration. Is there truth to that story?

According to local sources PRR 60 is planned for display on a segment of remaining track in Lewes, DE.

https://lewesjunctionrr.org/?page_id=38

Wesley

PRR 60 is a B6sa with a radial-stay firebox. Rare on a PRR engine.

Phil Mulligan

AFAIK: The PRR B6sa was sold as a temporary boiler steam source to a business in western PA. After it was no longer required, it stood in the weeds for at least a decade, collecting leaves, water, snow, etc. By the time it was rescued, everything functional or valuable had been removed/stolen. It was trucked under duress to the current site and suffered irreparable damage in the move. I'm told the boiler is absolutely shot, but I've not yet seen the loco in person. I believe the former G5s tender behind it is composed of flaking rust. To make a valid PRR display loco, it would require the donation of a lot of parts and the casting of many more. Fully restored and indoors, it would make a heck of a display locomotive.

I was told by an authoritative individual, SMS shortline of NJ, offered to purchase CNR1533 as a sum of the remaining parts from NH&I, but was turned down. Apparently there are plans for 1533 at NH&I. Instead, SMS purchased NH&I (ex-USArmy) 0-6-0 #9 and have restored it to operational condition. I saw it recently and #9 is rail to steam dome, perfect.

SMS is a great road. How much work is left on 9?

All new staybolts and other essentials. These guys are excited about restoration and showing they can run a railroad at the same time. Why else would they maintain America's greatest fleet of Baldwin Diesel's? There remain some pumps and similar items to mount. Cab is sitting off to one corner, again, nearly done. Couldn't give more specific answers.
And now back to our regular topic, restorations to get behind.
Did I hear somebody say LIRR 39?