As a qualifier and from the standpoint of RAILROAD
PRESERVATION, I am no fan of the many "dreamboats" who propose to take stripped locomotive shells and make operable locomotives from them.

However, after seeing the photos of these slugs, it occurs to me that a cosmetic restoration could be a distinct possibility. The cab and hood are basic fab shop construction, and I suspect that the actual shop drawings may still be available. If so, the most difficult part (engineering) is off the table.

Comments ?

ex-N&W Train Master slugs
newhaven0401-NOSPAM-@verizon.net

One of the things about preservation is like everything else it has evolved over the years. What was once though of as a good thing might now be a bad thing. It comes down to who has both the equipment and the money to make things happen.

There probably those who say we should preserve a slug as a slug to be part of a hump yard exhibit. Then there are others who might want to rebuild it back to some unpreserved model. Which is better? Is it better to have a rusting hulk of a PA-1 or a rebuilt model using parts from the closest matches you can find? It comes down to who owns the locomotive and has the cash.

Tom Gears