The Chas. McCormick #100's original tender is not in Oregon with George. It is owned by Steven Butler and is at his machine shop in Morton, WA.

The Mt. Rainier Railroad & Logging Museum, LLC (nee-Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad) is still owned by American Heritage Railways of Durango, CO.

Brian Wise
MRR&LM

Brian,

thank you for that info. Did not know that. Last info i had on this tender is about 20 years
old (see pic in Independence, OR).

Any idea what the actual owner plans to do with it?

Regards and all my hopes that your enterprise in Elbe and Mineral get back to business asap.
Eric

PS: Sad that the Shay (Cascade Timber #108) is not available. That would fit perfect for
you because it worked new out of Reliance just an armlength away from Elbe plus it was in
very good shape when I see her last time before move to Merrill.

I suppose my question is whether the idea here is to maximize dollars for the estate or to ensure that an item goes to the best home with its history in mind. So far I am hearing that its to maximize the dollars, which is fine if that is the goal here, but then I am concerned that an item might be scrapped rather than take an offer that is lower than the asking price, based on reality of the item, even if that offer is quite a bit greater than scrap value.

J.R. May

According to the posts the Oregon Coast Scenic has already purchased the collection, so the Kepner estate has received all that it will. The question now is how much the OCSR can get to move the items they are retaining and set up their museum.

Unless the Kepner estate placed restrictions on what could be done, the OCRS will wisely try to get as much as they can (with some overview to the long term status of the pieces I expect, the efforts and work in preservation of all those involved speaks for itself).

Things are in good hands, and those with dreams once again have a great chance to raise funds and be innovative, just as Mr. Kepner all those years ago. Unlike Mr. Spence's collection, this one still exists!

The following TO post by Martin sums up OSCR’s approach.....

Date: 12/18/21 14:17
Re: Fred Kepner Passes - Oregon Coast Scenic Buys His Collection!
Author: LoggerHogger

We made a generous offer for #34 to the CSRM. We gave them first shot. However, they have not indicated if they are serious or not.

To preserve this collection takes money to move items. Sierra #34 is a very operable steam locomotive for many tourist lines. There is a market for her.

If CSRM passes for any reason she will be sold and shipped elsewhere. Remember we gave them first chance. So far they have not taken the offer.

Martin

> Remember we gave them first chance.

Yes, they gave them first crack, but was the asking price provided realistic? Giving someone a chance to pay an unrealistically high price is not giving someone a true "first chance."

J.R. May

I believe the ID of the wrecker is wrong. Should read:
Industrial Works C/N 2249 120 tons Wrecker Steam 07-10
Southern Pacific #611>721(1st)>7010(2nd)>7100>7180
Oregon Coast Scenic RR 12-21 (for sale)
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/archiv ... x?id=47538
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8638651@N07/18528427069

Ot has roller bearings.

Why are you assuming malice?

Ed:
Sent you a PM.
J.R.

RE: 34, Don't forget that the CSRM is a State Agency. Expenditures not in the annual budget take time to be authorized. The system usually moves at a snail's pace. I would guess there is a "Friends of the Sierra" or similar organization around; they may be able to move faster, IF they have funding.
As to the 38. it wasn't at the Sierra very long, and it needs LOTS of work to ever operate again, the drive wheel tires are nearly "double flanged" there is so much wear on them. And, I have been told that Rayonier did some questionable boiler work on it--nothing that Dollars Squared couldn't fix, however!
This is going to be an interesting situation to watch! It has been decades since I worked with Fred. He was a nice guy, but didn't like "leaning on others" to do work for him. I had to bug him for quite a while to let me make new cab window awnings for #25, but he was quite happy with them when I brought them back finished. Those were heady times, with great hopes for the future, which sadly didn't happen.

Scott Wickert (OCSR) on FB

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
Published by Rachael Aldridge · t63aSmhfi1g1pc7o9g5ue9d1h01 ·
Hi all,
This is to clear up some questions and speculations that are going around the internet regarding our plans for this collection. Here are some FAQs and clarifications:
1. Will any of the locomotives be scrapped?
- ABSOLUTELY NOT. Preservation is part of OCSR's mission, and we are dedicated to making sure these engines live on for years to come.
2. Aren't you just trying to make the most money?
- No. Again, preservation is our goal, so all bids will be assessed for preservation potential as well as income.
3. Why are you selling the engines then?
- The cost of acquiring and transporting the engines OCSR wishes to keep is high, but this is also a chance to return some engines to their historical homes.
4. Are you only saving the locomotives?
- No! Machining tools, historic documents, photos and more are all being retained by OCSR and we hope to offer public access to the documentation history in the coming future.
5. How will you preserve the locos in the wet climate of Tillamook County?
- We are currently drawing up preservation plans for each engine. As well, OCSR is in the midst of a planned expansion that will include development of more indoor facilities. We are not open to sharing these plans at this time.
6. Can we visit the site at Merrill?
- No. We ask that the public stays off the property, so OCSR can continue to secure the site. Multiple agencies, including UP, the town sheriff, and the neighbors, are aware of our wishes to keep the site private and secure.
We hope this clears up some questions and concerns anyone may have about OCSR's plans for this extensive collection,

Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Virginia City, Nevada has purchased this locomotive from OCS RR, these photos of the engine and a (not original) tender being delivered were posted on the V&T RR facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaTruckeeRailroad

This loco is also one that ran for a spell on the White Mountain Scenic RR in Arizona (Sierra 36 was also there) and then the Wasatch Mountain/Heber Valley RR.................

The Tender belongs to San Joaquin & Eastern #205 (Santa Maria Valley #205)
now operational in Oregon.
The original Tender is now in Washington State, see post on top of this page.