Some sad news about the Oregon Northwestern Baldwin number two. Unfortunatly it was cut up for scrap a few weeks ago. Original plans were for the museum in St. Louis to display the locomotive but things didn't work out. Number two sat on a siding near Tigard for several years where it was a victim of vandalism and the elements.
That is simply tragic. I am losing faith and interest in many museums these days. While their leaders might be schooled in curating, they often seem to lack an even decent knowledge of railroading in general. Certainly they should know much about the collections of any organization they intend to lead. I'm sorry, but from here, I am seeing examples where that does not seem to be true. Yes. I know money is always a factor. Been there, done that. The simple fact is that too many pieces are being left to rot, or being lost otherwise, which can never be replaced. Perhaps while our governments are so wildly tossing around money, they should take a closer look at some LARGE amount dedicated toward historic preservation. Many other present expenditures are surely less worthy! I have been asked, here and elsewhere, about a repository for my collection after I pass along. Well, the fact is that very few people know any decent amount about these papers. Few seem to even care, which is truly shocking! And, nothing can stop pilfering, de-accessioning, simply tossing it in trash, etc. The value of what I have is in it's condition as a whole. It doesn't take up much space, yet still.... :tb-sad::tb-sad::tb-sad: Boxcab E50
Word is that the St. Louis museum shopped the unit around to several west coast museums before cutting it up. Friction bearing trucks, transportation costs, and the generally poor condition of the unit to begin with doomed it. Jeff Moore Elko, NV
