My understanding is that #36 IS in running condition. The story I got (from several MRL employees) is that someone was planning on using the engine for excursions and sent it to CEECO to be painted (hence the fresh paint job) and then failed to pay/pick it up. Since CEECO was a Washington company, it got handed down to MRL (also a Washington company). I suppose they couldn't figure out what to do with it, and the next thing I heard was it was headed to Deer Lodge to join E70.
Yes. That is how it got to CEECo. But there was also mechanical work needed, I believe for compliance to be legally operated. This was going to be part of the Golden Pacific operations up Tacoma Hill. And where some of the confusion started. It was not MRL 36 until after going to Livingston, as ownership was still in question until late that year. It is missing some minor components and expensive little jewels such as batteries. It would not take a lot of effort to get her going, but $$$$$$$ it would.... Boxcab E50
Not the best business decision I know but it would be neat if MRL would have decided to use her in Montana for freight ops or whatever. I know , I know I'm just dreaming what the heck...:mcool:
I have a feeling there might have been a chance, had the economy not fallen flat. It would have been very smart looking, pulling the MRL executive car fleet. Oh well- They still have two of the F45 units which might some day see service again. Boxcab E50
This Deer Lodge project was spearheaded by Bill Brodsky. Bill is the President of the Washington Transportation Group which includes MRL. Bill was a vice-president of the Milwaukee Road in the early 1980s but left before the sale of the company to the Soo. Bill is great booster of the Milw. Road in Montana today - he lives in Missoula. He was instrumental in getting the Museum in Harlowton a big grant for the museum's railroad research library (which now contains more books about the Milwaukee Road than anywhere else in the United States (including the Library of Congress)). We all owe Bill a big thanks for his continuing efforts to remember the Milwaukee Road in Montana.
