I had the oportunity the other day to be in Minerva, Ohio and visit the railyard there.I asked and was allowed to photograph the equipment stored in the yard.Among the pieces I took pictures of were four EMD E8A locomotives. They are in good condition and it was a real treat and the people at the yard were very gracious. I have checked the rosters as to the status of these locomotives and found them to be considered in storage and owned by Omni Midwest. Can anyone out there tell me who Omni Midwest is, what they have to do with railroading, and what they plan to do with these wonderful specimens? They appear to be stored in a manner to preserve them, the windows are all covered, so I must assume they don't intend them to go to scrap. Any information would be appreciated, post it for everyone if you like or e-mail me directly. Thanks in advance.

Ladypardus@cs.com

I have been dealing with the owner(s) lately on other business. The principal man in charge qualifies as a railfan but has little or no use for "slobbering foamers", so he has been demanding a low profile. The locos are involved in private, for-profit operation, so he has every right to say "none of your business."

I can say that negotiations are underway for the quartet to leave Minerva shortly, destinations to be determined but not announced. Two of the units are ex-PRR and two are ex-IC.

Thanks so much, Flying Scotsman. I am glad that the locos are in good hands. It sounds like they are not going to the scrappers and that is all I really care about. I understand why he would want to keep it private. After watching the fire storm that Bennett Levin went through over nothing more than a choice of paint for his refurbs I have little respect for "Slobbering foamers" myself. I felt very priveleged to walk among these locomotives. I took pictures of them I will be posting on a website my husband is creating for me. If the owner of these engines would like to have copies he is welcome to them, please let me know. I don't see anything wrong with them going to a for-profit life. They were built to run and serve and it would just make me see happy to see them responsibly preserved. Hope to visit them again before they leave and it would be a thrill to see them pull out of the yard and run the rails again.

Ladypardus@cs.com