926 is in beautiful cosmetic shape, but stored in a corner of large museum building behind other equipment. The O.W. Link locomotive has been cosmetically dressed up, but apparently is missing parts, rumors stating that they are scattered throughout the Link family or elsewhere. It is located out front of a hobby shop in Utica, New York.
May I suggest that Strasburg offer them the 972, thus eliminating a locomotive in dissassembled storage, and historically preserving a design appropriate to the line. Members have endured my whining about rebuilding the 972 with a Belpaire firebox. I think this presents a nice solution! Now, all I have to do is convince the British Columbians that they need a steam locomotive, and convince Strasburg to offer the 972!

Richard, Is the 926 as described above retrievable within reasonable limits?? Is it so stored that there's track access to it and the equipment you say is in front of it. In other words could it be gotten out of where it is on its own wheels on existing track?? Thanks, Ross Rowland

Ross: 926 is one of four immaculatley kept steam locos, indoors, at the Museum of Science and Technology, in Ottawa. Each loco (a streamlined CNR 6400, one of the twin CPR 4-8-4's, and a Royal Hudson) is surrounded by period cars, and each on a separate track. The rear of each track has a garage-style door, iirc, and it can be raised to lead into the parking lot. I believe the individual tracks are now cut off from the siding which originally fed them, although the spur remains connected to the other storage building, containing a great collection of about 13 more locos and additional cars. Two of the locos are one of the last remaining FM C-Liners and the G5d Pacific, CPR 1201. Removing the 926 would involve removal of one or two cars, then the loco itself. 926 is in a corner of the room, poorly lit, but displayed in elegant fashion, including a photo exhibit.
If you find it possible, get yourself up to Ottawa, and make arrangements to view the stored collection as well. It is entirely worth the time spent, particularly for a steam-hound of your pedigree, Ross!