The young guys don't like old guys telling them what to do and the old guys don't like young guys telling them what to do. Lose lose. haha.

The museum has said it will be painted as AFT #1. That there are three different and unique schemes in which to dress this locomotive suggests just how important the piece is (and different from her sisters) from the stand point of significance to three quite different audiences.

But the real question is just who will pony up the $10k+ to repaint it in whatever scheme of choice AND have the leverage to break the museum's restoration schedule for their limited human resources?

Bob

> The young guys don't like old guys telling them what to do and the old guys don't like young guys telling them what to do. Lose lose. haha.

No, that is not the point. The point is, donors will see how you have treated work done in the past, and if its being treated poorly, they will take their money elsewhere. Same holds true for hard working volunteers - if they see work done by a previous generation being neglected, they will move on to an organization that respects the work done by all volunteers, past and present. Bringing this back to the 2101, how it is treated by the museum serves as a message to future donors and volunteers that the museum respects the wishes of its supporters. Its not a laughing matter.

I'm not "estimating" anything. I was part of the engine crew. I saw the crowds first hand. Not only in big cities, but in small towns and everywhere along the line. I was also on the Chessie Steam Special. So I have first hand knowledge of both operation. They both drew big crowds, but due to the larger footprint of the Freedom Train (only in the Northeast/Midwest, but well beyond the Chessie system) and the broader interest in the exhibits, far more people saw it.

The times and mission of an organization change - for better or worse. I believe Graham Claytor and Paul Merriman both wanted the 4501 to be painted green (actually not sure if Paul cared as long as it run). But the leadership at TVRM now wants it black. Both have pros and cons. I wouldn't say either is right or wrong.

Personally, I think it makes sense to have this locomotive restored as AFT 1 - since that is unique to this particular locomotive and a unique piece of history by itself. But if the museum wants to restore it to it's historical appearance because that's the mission of the museum, that is their decision to make.

The mission of preserving the artifacts doesn't change. Yes, I'd prefer to see it in Freedom Train Colors. Chessie Steam Special would be OK too. "Just pulled out of the junkyard" appears to be the current scheme, and that's not so good. Even a "dip job" black would be better than it is now.

"Even a "dip job" black would be better than it is now."

And perhaps a plea for engaging children in literacy in Baltimore school? Maybe paint "Reading" on the tender sides? Just thought from a retired teacher.

(Sorry for stealing the quote, Mr. Harbison. I couldn't resist.)

I don't recall any black paint on that locomotive when I saw the AFT so I'm leaning toward the two traditional B&O blues now. ;)

Hi Guys, getting a bit back on topic, will the B&O museum take this opportunity to do a complete and full inspection of the 2101? I would be interested in seeing a survey of what the exact damage done by the roundhouse fire to her. Thanks, David Notarius, freezing in London UK.

No. Ross Rowland

They've inspected her qualifications to perform the duties at hand. Structurally, she was found adequate to be a Hangar Queen and remained parked in the yard. She does need a paint job though, and that's been addressed. The frame was deemed to be sufficient to hold the boiler up, even when considering the added weight of the pigeons who like to perch there. No additional expense for inspection such as UT testing was deemed justified considering the current plans for the locomotive.

B&O Museum needs more $$$ for conservation. They're in downtown Baltimore City where expenses have expenses. Optimally

Phil Mulligan

I dont know; those city pigeons can get awfully heavy. Just need to see the basketball sized ones putzing; looking for dropped food to eat.