Presently dismantled (last I knew) in Indiana. Alger-Sullivan Lumber 2-6-2 100, when still at work at Century, Florida:

http://collections.mnhs.org/visualresou ... Type=Basic

Bob:

I believe that the folks down in Florida have attempted to raise funds to return Alger-Sullivan Lumber # 100 back down there as a cosmetic display. They were apparently banking on part of the funds were to come from some type of grant, which reportedly fell through. It is my understanding that they are still trying to acquire the 2-6-2. Perhaps someone from Whitewater Valley can update the situation, or correct this report if wrong.

Les

#100 is in Connersville, Indiana as you note. The boiler was removed and sent to the former Shop Services Organization who apparently ran into substantial trouble replicating a replacement boiler for it. The process kept taking years longer than planned. Stan Matthews never could give any of us a solid reason why the numerous delays, etc. With his death, we found that the money we had already paid to Shop Services had never been forwarded to the boiler subcontractor .... and that the specifications for the boiler were not entirely correct ....and that they were not aware of the FRA issues such as tell tales..... you get the picture.

Short story on this engine is that like many groups during the late 1970's and 1980's who operated steam on a regular basis, ours did not fully recognize the real costs of running a steam locomotive. Later still did not recognize the need for bonded contractors and proper contract assurances when undertaking major work. We have also found (to no one's surprise) that having a Florida engine in Indiana doesn't really help much when you are looking for restoration funding with Indiana foundations. To become operational, a substantial amount of money is still needed and in the end, we'd still have a small Florida lumber engine on our New York Central branch line.

Our focus is now very much towards the regional approach and #100 just doesn't fit into this plan. The recent acquisition of NYC #6894 is part of this program, though it is not necessarily designated for operation.

We are (and have been) working with the Century Florida group who want "their" engine to come home for some time. It isn't "for sale" per se and neither are we are giving away our investment in the locomotive. The Century group wants to raise enough money to purchase, move, and restore the engine for display and we are supportive of this plan. I should mention that we are working with other groups on similar projects as well.

Hopefully, others will assist us in the future in putting together the right mix of equipment with regional heritage for our collection.

Hope this answers most questions, if not drop me a note.

David Farlow, CMO
Whitewater Valley Railroad