The Herald Mail story:
http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=134416&format=html And the obituary:
John E. Long, 89

1916-MARCH 26, 2006

John Edward Long, 89, of Hagerstown, died Sunday, March 26, 2006, at Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown.

He was the son of the late Calvin D. Long and Dicey V. Long.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Leila V. Long; and two beloved canine pals, Rap and Blackjack.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jane B. Long of Hagerstown; and one daughter, Eleanor C. Long of Roanoke, Va.

He was born in Baltimore in 1916 and was a 1935 graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.

He moved to Hagerstown in 1939 and was employed by Pangborn Corporation, Fairchild Aircraft and several local structural steel firms. He was recognized as a premier engineer and designer by his professional peers.

He was an accomplished musician trained in classical Spanish guitar. He played in local dance bands for decades and taught guitar at Phillips Musicland for many years.

He had a lifelong interest in model railroading, trains and railroads. In 1982, he established the Locomotive 202 Foundation to fund the restoration of the Western Maryland Railway steam engine in City Park. That work led to his acquisition of additional rolling stock and artifacts that now are on display in the Railroad Museum at City Park. He felt this was a good way to thank the city of Hagerstown for giving him many positive life opportunities.

He was one of three recipients of the 2005 People's Choice Awards from the Community Foundation of Washington County for his volunteer work.

Services will be Wednesday, March 29, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Rest Haven Funeral Chapel, Hagerstown. The Rev. Robert Moales will officiate. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Western Maryland Railway Historical Society, P.O. Box 395, Union Bridge, MD 21791.

Did Mr. Long actually own the #202 at one point? How much restoration was done on #202?

Mr. Long negotiated a long-term lease of #202 from the City of Hagerstown when the neglected relic was in danger of being scrapped. The existence of #202 today is testament to his willingness to step forward and devote countless hours (and his own money) to restoring the locomotive. -- Ray

Just a few things I'd like to add here. 202 was never in danger of being scrapped, but it was in danger of rusting away to nothing. The Western Maryland employees did a great job with her upkeep, but once Chessie came about, that was it.

There has been alot of speculation and debate on whether John owned it or not. IMO, he did not, but he would tell anyone that would listen that he did. This will be interesting to follow in the coming weeks.

As far as the degree of restoration, it really wouldn't take much more work to make her look good. Perhaps some paint removal (about 3168 layers of it), a repainting, lettering and putting the rods back will just about do it. But operation is not in the forseeable future.

About 15 years ago I stopped by the roundhouse and spoke to someone working on the 2100. We got around to 202 and he spoke about how it had gotten a lot of attention by Mr. Long and he seemed to think it has been hydrostaticly tested and running her was not out of the question. Others I have spoken to said all of the work was cosmetic.

> There has been alot of speculation and debate on whether John owned it or not. IMO, he did not

WM202 is owned by a private group, the 202 Foundation. John Long was the president.

It is a very good possibility the person you talked to was me. 202 was hydroed once years ago. John had every intention of restoring her to service, but it never got that far.

Good to hear that there was somebody involved besides one person--at least that's the implication behind a "foundation", assuming it had more than one member.......

It's been suggested many times that 202 would be/have been a "perfect" steamer for the Western Md. Scenic RR, at least on lighter traffic weekends (I've seen it with two coaches and with everything they got). Any thoughts of Hagerstown recognizing their prized relic and not wanting it to leave town aside, does anybody know if Mr. Long's passing opens any kind of opportunity for that handsome Pacific to see service again--that is, assuming the boiler is fit, someone with enough money to restore it wants to see it run, etc.?

Alexander D. Mitchell IV wrote, "Does anybody know if Mr. Long's passing opens any opportunity for that Pacific to see service again?"


Hi,

As I understand it, John's daughter will become President of the 202 Foundation and the terms of the arrangement between the City and the Foundation do not allow the loco to leave the park.

Perhaps a member of the Foundation will come forth with more information about the contract with the City. The contract with the City should be a matter of public record and a copy of same could be obtained from the City for a modest fee.

I don't believe the cosmetic restoration of the loco or any of the 8 cabooses has been completed in the decades they have spent behind the locked gate of the fenced-in area. The last time I saw the cabooses, 10 or 12 years ago, they were in primer without any ID on them. Is that still true?

Cheers, Roger

Dave,

It was a pleasure meeting you! Was any mechanical work done on her? Can you tell us how much?

I seem to recall Mr. Long mentioning during one of his presentations to the WMRyHS that he had done a bit more than just "cosmetic" work on the engine. At that time, in the mid-1980s I believe, he invited interested members to join him in the effort, and some did. I do believe the engine underwent a hydrostatic test, and actually moved a few feet using compressed air. There is probably more info in the WMRyHS files and, hopefully, this will resurface as members mark his passing. -- Ray