Scrapped GG-1

Frank Hicks · **Posted:** Wed Mar 22, 2006 11:13 pm

A few photos were recently posted on the NERail.org site of GG-1 #4873, the only GG-1 to be scrapped post-preservation. The photos were taken at Whippany in late 1991; my records suggest the locomotive was scrapped the next year, in 1992. Does anyone have any insight as to why it was scrapped? I'm not trying to start a debate, I was just curious.

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006032113495320055.jpg
http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006032113493819843.jpg
http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006032113491519242.jpg

Ted Miles · **Posted:** Thu Mar 23, 2006 12:24 am

Frank,

This brings to mind another one that was in Upstate New York. If I recall, it was sold to a private individual by an NRHS chapter.

From what I recall of the web site the owner had to drive a long distance to do any work on the locomotive?

And is there still one on display in the Harrisburg Station? I think another NRHS chapter awned that one also.

Ted Miles

Dave LeCount · **Joined:** Sun Oct 24, 2004 7:32 pm **Posts:** 28

Isn't that the one that was the sold by the individual to the Henry Ford Museum a few years back? If not, what ever happened to the Henry Ford unit? I think it was about 2 years ago an article was published about it and nothing's been mentioned since.

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Thu Mar 23, 2006 12:45 am

4859 was acquired by the Harrisburg NRHS by buying an Amtrak GG1 for $5,000 (yes, the going price for a G to a qualified nonprofit) and trading it and a bunch of cash to Naporano Iron and Metal for the "object of their affection", one of the few "freight" GG1's saved and the first G into Harrisburg. I seem to recall that somehow custody of the 4859 either ended up or will end up with the Penna. Historic & Museum Commission, probably in some bureaucratic move involving insurance, etc. I understand Amtrak has basically handed the 4859 an eviction notice; the problem is where it goes from there? RR Museum of Pa. needs another GG1 like Britain needs another Stanier Black Five or trackside foamers need another B40-8.

Joshua K. Blay · **Posted:** Thu Mar 23, 2006 8:18 am

I would hazard a guess that the British would appreciate another Black 5 then we would B40-8 or a GG-1, but I understand the point you are trying to make.

Joshua