> Been there a few times myself. And to think
> its all going to stay that way until it
> falls on itself, and then probably until the
> end of time.

> Makes me sick.

> :(
Those pics are kinda scary for me to look at....it is almost the same as where I work....except all the life is gone! Makes me wonder about the future.

Mike

mk74volts@yahoo.com

DATELINE: LONDON, ENGLAND/ MORGAN RUN, OHIO/
APRIL 1, 2004 (with story courtesy from the Daily Fibber)

Rumor and Innuendo has rocked the railway preservation community on both sides of the Atlantic, today, as sources within the camps of Sir Richard Branson and Ohio Central Railway CEO Jerry Jacobson state that there are intentions by both parties to partner with each other to restore one of North America's most Cherished rail icons.
Much press has been given recently to Branson's efforts to try and keep overseas bidders out of the running for the cherished LNER "Flying Scotsman," and to Jacobson's Ohio Central Railway's Steam Festival set for July 30- August 1, 2004. But no one expected the two to collaborate in what many are calling the most ambitious project in rail preservation history.
According to sources, Branson is believed to have met with Ohio Central Railway owner Jerry Jacobson in a recent closed door in session, to discuss partnering on what may be one of most ambitious projects taken on by either man: the restoration of a Union Pacific "Big Boy," considered to be the largest operating locomotive ever used in North America.
"Heck, I didn't even know that they knew each other," stated Bob Yarger, editor of the number one rail preservation board on the web, RYPN.ORG. Other representatives of the top rail news source disagreed: "Anyone who has an interest in steam knows Jerry's passion for eventually restoring a Big Boy, and few can question Sir Richard's Branson interest on taking on larger than life projects, " said Railway Preservation expert Erik Ledbetter. "Sir Richard Branson is known as a man who looks for the best of the best. I see the Ohio Central's Steam Program as an absolutely essential advisor to Branson's restoration of the Flying Scotsman anyway, so why not just push the envelope?" In addition, Ledbetter noted that given Branson's recent interest in steam preservation, "it seemed a natural pairing, and an obvious project."
Although neither Branson nor Jacobson could be reached for comment, and representatives of Both Virgin Atlantic and Ohio Central deny it, sources say that both men have been purchasing a large portion of both Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific Railway stock over the past few years. The implications of that, says Ledbetter, "are staggering." Although most people in their right minds would think this is absolute lunacy, the mere thought of such a pairing has had railfans pondering what it would be like having a 4-8-8-4 pounding up Sherman Hill or through the hills of the South.
For the time being though, it will have to remain in the realm of imagination alone. "I refuse to speculate on such poppycock," says Hume Kading, railway news correspondent. "This isn't the first time one of these hair-brained schemes has come up on the net, I mean, look at the date for pete's sake!" Until confirmation is given by either Branson or Jacobson themselves, it will have to remain in the realm of rumor.

(with apologizes to all parties involved.)



Port Huron Museum
tjgaffney@phmuseum.org