1) Why was the base of operations for the FY project moved from the C&C RR to the Hobo RR ?

2) After all the money was spent on 'restoring' the original (Winton) engine, what was the reason for the change of direction, i.e., discarding the Winton ?

Thanks

Dave

Gosh Dave, those are a couple of great questions. I have wondered about both of those questons very often too. I sure hope somebody can provide some insight into what happened in both these cases. The abrupt changes in direction made after large expendatures would seemingly not be helpful to establishing contributor confidence in this project. Also, if you search the internet on this subject, you find a number of postings from the 1990s for "plans" for the train that also were changed or abandoned with little or no explanation. For example, I would like to know what happened to the work of some of the personalities from the "academic community" who were advertised as "studying" the train and being involved in the project a few years ago? Were there any real results from these people or was the whole thing just a bunch of "feel good" hot air?

While I am not speaking for the group in question, I beleive the decision to replace the Winton engine was based on a desire to have a more reliable, and parts-available power source for the long term.

There have been many postings from the Flying Yankee group here,
they're easily researchable.

Yes, I seem to recall some postings on the internet at one time that claimed the restoration work on the Winton and the original transmission system was about 80% complete.

A quick web search turned up a 2003 article that said that only $700K was needed to complete the project and it would be test-run in 2004!

What's it up to now? I think 2.6 Million and 2009 was the last I heard?

It also appears that the progress and news postings that were previously on the group's website from before 2006 are no longer accessible.

It says on the website that they will do special presentations on request. A presentation explaining all the changes in direction and numbers would surely be worth attending!

I imagine if one were serious about putting mileage on this equipment, then it needs to have a power unit with readily available parts.