"The lost" N&W Steamers saved...

[UP5521]

It's about time! The engines were donated to VMT a few years ago, and I was starting to wonder if they would ever manage to get them out. Having moved a steam engine myself, I wish them luck.


As I understand it, they are all such basket cases that it would be nearly impossible (unless one has many tons of cubic money) to get them running. It isn't worth it.

I like cosmetic restorations. I hate when people insist that (insert basket case) needs to be restored to operation, or that (insert huge engine) needs to be running. In most cases, it is not practical to do so. Back when I was a mechanic (occasionally on steam), I got to hear that sort of thing way too much.

Cheers,
Ben

Just one question, I have been thinking about driving a steam engine perhaps a 2-8-0 but the problem is,where can I find one and how hard can it be to move one to the museum?

 

[Klinger]

One thing I have always wondered. How the hell did all this railroad equipment sit there for 50 years (the locomotives arrived in 1950-1951) without being cut up????

I would have thought that like most steam locomotives at the time, they would be cut up immediately! But this does not seem to be the case

 

[magickmaker]

The story I've always heard (it's become something of a legend) was that the original scrapyard manager that bought the things had a mind to actually preserve them. He stayed with the company until his retirement, leaving them in that location. Over time, they just got to the point that no one wanted to move them, and their proximity to live tracks (couple yards as I recall) made it too expensive to scrap them on the spot. Basically they were just too large and hard to get to for the company to stick a gondola and crane beside while they scrapped them.

 

[Klinger]

talk about some lucky locomotives. After looking at the pictures of the running gear, I doubt these locomotives will ever move again. Considering they had to cut the smoke box up, and use cranes at each end to load and unload the frame, I think its safe to say the running gear is totaled. It may very well be seized beyond repair.

But who knows, 4455 rolled when it was moved into the main area of the Railroad Museum, and it sat for 40 years outdoors, unprotected, but it may have been slightly maintained over the years

 

[magickmaker]

You'd be really shocked how sturdy locomotives like that are. It may take a ton of work, but I'd wager with enough money and time, that at least one of then could get moving. If I remember correctly, 4455 stands the best chance to run again, having the most running gear and as Klinger said it did roll.