I first heard of the "Madam Queen" about 3 years ago. I was instantly hooked. However when I hear that the beautiful 2-10-4's restoration was cancelled I was deeply saddened. there hasn't been much speculation about the chances of a successful rebuild. i made a previous post about the Southern Pacific GS-6 #4460. and i was told that steam engine restoration success was based on Big budgets, good staffing, & proper planning. know it would be a solid option in terms of the frame being roughly the same size as an SP GS-4.

so what are the chances of a successful operational restoration?


Thx

152696

Two....slim and none. It would take MILLIONS to restore a large steamer. Then...where will it run? And the cost of operation, insurance, etc

You seem to be forgetting the fact that a 4-8-4 is “a lot” smaller of a wheel base than a 2-10-4. A northern can run on some seriously iffy rail, that isn’t necessarily built to handle it (611 on the Strasburg per say), but a Texas is pretty different. 10 coupled drivers on top of an engine weighing almost double some modern diesels could prove challenging. I’m no ATSF steam expert, but typical 2-10-4’s aren’t exactly speed machines, either. I’m not sure a railroad in 2022 would allow a sluggish locomotive that large to occupy valuable track space.

Now if we HAD to restore one of these beasts, T&P 610 instantly comes to mind as it’s the one that most recently operated.

Interesting that this topic popped up. There’s a FaceBook group that has interest in restoring the ATSF 5021. Apparently they’ve already contracted CSRM about it, but based on that group there are no funding plans, movements plans, restoration plans, or even anyone with knowledge of steam locomotive restoration, so I highly doubt the CSRM will even respond to them.

ATSF's Texas types actually were pretty swift machines. The #5000 has 69" drivers, and the later 5001s and 5011s were serious hot rods with 74"(!) drivers with roller bearings on every axle. ATSF was known to run them in passenger service, as well as perishable freight. They are a monster of a machine, in size, weight, and power

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I was told years ago that the ATSF engines stored in Belen roundhouse would be easily put back in service. FRA/ICC rules were easier to deal with at that time and the upshot was that basically wash the pigeon guano off them and go. They were exercised monthly.
Now look at them. Very sad.
The 2925 Cleburn shop trip was a good way to put the question to bed after saying "millions".
5021 is an awesome engine as were all the 5000s.

Seems like the 5021 Facebook group is mostly just one young guy wanting it back. Which is admirable but unrealistic. I can’t criticize, after all, I’ve got my own preferences and personal biases for what I want to run in my lifetime.

But for 5000? I’ve heard tales upon tales about its potential restoration. It’s your token “wouldn’t it be nice” locomotive that hasn’t run, but has several rumors and discussions about attempts, akin to something like NYC 3001, or what NC&StL 576 had been before its restoration.

It’s a unique locomotive, and I do think it should get another chance someday. But its got all the typical questions for any large steam restoration.

Last time I saw 2925 and 5021 was about ten years ago. At the time they were a good walk away from CSRM at a location just out from under the bridge, somewhat forlorn and not really serving any useful interpretive function. They were not under cover but the stacks were capped, the lagging and jacketing had been removed, and the cabs sealed up. Certainly not the worst artifact storage I have seen and nothing that would appear to require additional work if a 15 year were to be undertaken. Looking back at my photos of these two elegant machines standing proud amongst the uncut tall grass makes me really look forward to taking a trip to NM when 2926 is in steam!

My apologies in advance to anyone offended by my use of a pseudonym.

Three years ago, I got to walk up to the 2-10-4 at Green Bay. Everything about that locomotive was huge, including the drivers. Given a location to operate as designed, I think the earth would rumble as the locomotive passed. The only way to use such a beautiful beast would be on freight drags. If BNSF got on board, you might have something, but as has been pointed out before, publicity doesn't pay the bills. Even pulling freight, she'd never make up the expense of rebuilding her and maintaining her. Mores the pity.

Should BNSF ever get into the steam revival game, I'd opt for a CB&Q Hudson, first.