Dare I say it. Could this be the tipping point that some mentioned last year could happen?

Have we have reached market saturation on groups restoring steam locomotives to fully operational status that 587 is now in this inconceivable position?

Like it or not, this is part of the way the world operates that those with the most money can do what they want with relative impunity to what you think is the best course of action for something? (Such as Youtube sensation Mr. Beast buying diesel locomotives for use in a wreck.) Let's face it, a private group or individual can purchase equipment and do what they want with their locomotive, but until the point that the group or individual does not have the financial resources to support their "big boy toys", there's nothing that can be done for the greater good. Private individuals with their own bankroll do not care what the preservation world feels is that right thing, but it has also ensured the survival of equipment as well. Look at Nelson Blount and his version of Steamtown compared to what actually happened.

Who would have thought that while at the time, the first feel-good operational restoration story of the 21st century is now languishing away under cover (thankfully) due to operational restrictions on the railroads of the USA? That was less than 25 years ago that PRR 5711 and 5809 were restored! [And really have not stretched their legs individually in over 8 years!]

Ross Rowland's conservatorship of 614 has meant it has survived in a serviceable enough condition to now be sold to a new generation that will hopefully mean it gets to operate for its first time in the 21st century.

We are indebted to the forethought of these individuals, but their contributions are only as good as their last contribution to the greater good.

At the time 587 was purcahsed by a private individual the result was celebrated, not so much now.

Here we are with something to reflect and think about.

While I get what you're saying about market saturation, I don't think that's really applicable to the NKP 587 situation. The 587's restoration at ITM was aborted because of an organizational collapse of ITM due to them not minding their housekeeping. It was never stated that the private owner ever had any intentions of restoring the 587 to operation, I suspect it was more just a purchase made to make sure it was safe from the cutting torches being fired up in Noblesville. Kentucky Steam Heritage has said that they don't want or need the 587 because they already have their own engine that they're working on, and the Nickel Plate Road is not historically significant to the state of Kentucky.

John,

If you're looking for something to reflect upon, give some thought to the 587's fate if a private buyer hadn't stepped in to save and move the locomotive. You write about the "greater good" as if museums and institutions are the only viable home for railroad equipment. Dare I mention the mismanagement of countless museums across this country, including ITM, who allowed their state of affairs to slip in the first place? Before we bemoan private owners of equipment, it's only fair to equally reflect upon the local railroad museum that has 47 pieces of rolling stock in various states of decay, with shaky plans or funding.

To answer your question, it's not so much a concern about market saturation, but rather making sound business decisions in regards to the physical infrastructure limitations of operating a beefy Mikado. Larger locomotives are a difficult sell. Why is the current state of 587 inconceivable to you?

"Have we have reached market saturation on groups restoring steam locomotives to fully operational status that 587 is now in this inconceivable position?"

I don't think so.... this is kind of a unique case.

I don't really think there is a market saturation issue... look at all of the steam trains operating in the state of Pennsylvania (and right over the river in Deleware and NJ).

Perhaps.
Let's face it, too many locomotives that could steam from the early 200s to today are cold because nobody will let them run them on the nearby tracks, or the insurance was too much to be able to run them.
Even owning your own tracks isn't a guarantee as those of us in Chehalis found out the hard way.

Apparently the locomotive was (allegedly) owned by Noah McCann [the same guy who was operating the Blackwell Gateway Northern], but this comes from anonymous source

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCUA17igz_A

That channel's videos are full of outright falsehoods, and rumor - many of which can be easily debunked with a little research. The creator prefers to push his own narrative, and sticks to them like glue even when presented with the actual facts of the matter.

I would give anything he says a large helping of salt.

Does Fort Wayne want to make it 4? 765, 624, 3001, and now possibly 587? They have been purchasing a lot lately. Just curious. I will now duck and cover.

Certainly the 587 has a recent running history AND it is NKP. If Fort Wayne has the room, a nice little Nickel Plate collection of steam locomotives is better than feasible.

Given 3001's current fundraising goal, I would definitely say no.

This is Kelly Lynch's response to similar train of thought on TrainOrders

https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/ ... 10,5974445

Issue was corrected.

Shocking that no one has mentioned IRM. (Rolling my eyes.)

IRM can win that auction, that possible(little smile on my face)

That would be nice if FWRHS get 587 with the history 587 has with Fort Wayne and Indiana state and with 3001-Alco, 765-Lima, with 587 hes get a Baldwin engine.....

I not forget 624 but i be not surprise to be told here 587 has better shape vs 624

AOS stay a good choice too

Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum too, why not

Can Andy Muller handle one more? (Ducking for cover!)

John