I would definitely take the rumors with a grain of salt. Even if RRHMA did get another locomotive, I'm sure its restoration would definitely be after at least UP 3985 and I would assume 5511, unless they had enough staff and volunteers to work on both at the same time. You've got to remember as well, they'll have the two QJs to work on as well, although I don't know if the RRHMA staff/volunteers are going to really be doing much of the work on those or not. If the SP 982 isn't going there, I can't really see any other 2-10-2s being likely candidates to go, plus they already have 2-3 that will be restored there. I know the Corman QJ that was donated to KY Steam definitely won't go there. I suppose the ATAF 940 or the DM&IR 506 could be candidates, but I wouldn't see much of a point. I think a 2-10-4 is somewhat reasonable if they wanted something else to restore. There's none operational and the track is suited for it (and they're probably one of the few places that could run one). For whoever mentioned a Yellowstone, I mean sure its possible, but I just don't see that happening.

Everyone's on the big steam hype with RRHMA, which is fine, but I think it would be cool to see a Pacific type go there. My thoughts are to arrange a deal with the Abilene and Smokey Valley to get the ATSF 3415. The locomotive (at least with how slow it runs from what I've seen) seems to be almost too large for their operations. There are plenty of 0-6-0s, 2-6-2s, and other smaller locomotives that would make more sense for their operations. It would let the 3415 get a chance to really stretch its legs. I don't see them giving up the 3415, but I think it would be a logical choice to go to RRHMA if they wanted something smaller to possibly get running before 3985.

An ATSF or CBQ 4-6-4 would be a nice addition...

How about that poor Frisco 2-8-2 three hours away from Silvis in Taylorville?

Frisco 1352 is owned by the American Steam Railroad. So eventually their goal is to get it to Cleveland once the work on 2100 is complete.

I've never been a huge fan of smaller steam, but that's just a personal preference, all steam is good of course! I still think a 2-10-4 would be the best or if they really wanted to go for a pipe dream, UP 9000. It would be a lot of work, but the end product would have a lot of hype.

Bit of a late reply to this. But there are no Rock Island steam engines currently in operation and since the Silvis shops are former Rock Island, along with most of the Iowa Interstate. It would only make sense that if the RRHMA were to get a smaller steamer. I could see 4-6-2 No. 886 being a candidate for donation

A lot of nice what-if speculation, but just to get the 4-6-6-4 under steam would require cubic trainloads of funding. If/when that happens, the fundraising is worthy of its own article...THEN speculate on the what-if.

Yes, absolutely. The first priority for them would be to get the equipment they have now operational (3985, 5511, 6936, 6988 etc.) and I think they’ll get all that done before the end of the decade maybe into the 2030s. But it’s always fun to speculate what could happen. Needless to say, as a guy who lives probably like 2 hours from Silvis. I am very excited for what this could bring

CSSPA is the non-profit that cares for IAIS 6988 and 7081. Their restoration is not a function of RRHMA. CSSPA is leasing protective storage for 6988.

Has there been any info on what they’re going to do with the 7081, I would love to see both QJs operating again

.

In the case of 643. Just give the rigging crews time to figure it out. They've been in worse situations than what 643 is in before. I've personally seen them move a 300 ton transformer 50 miles across country roads were the weight limit of all the bridges was less than 40 tons total.

Noticed the steam engines in the Hospital Train had 'wrap around' air hoses applied so that those pieces of equipment did not have operative brakes. I was also surprised to see that the crosshead was attached to the piston thus creating wear on the interior piston and cylinder surfaces.

Looking through a old B&O Employee Timetable from the steam age, I saw where TTSI restricted the movement of dead steam engines to 15 MPH unless the Main rod from the cylinder to the main driver was disconnected. My observation of the YouTube videos made it seem that the Hospital Train was moving faster than 15 MPH. Of course it is 21st Century UP and not mid-20th Century B&O.

I believe the heritage donation train speed was limited to a maximum of 25 MPH.

The aged, exiled princess who had long since fallen on hard times (C&NW #401) likely also required some air brake expedients. She is going to need help as much as - maybe even more than - any of the equipment that went to RRHMA.