Update on a new home for SP 4449, SP&S 700, et al

Here's the latest I have heard on a new home for these locomotives, which are currently housed in the remnant of an old roundhouse in Union Pacific's (formerly SP's) Brooklyn Yard.

http://djcoregon.com/news/2011/07/26/fingers-crossed-for-historic-locomotives-new-home/

 

Thanks for posting that, Adam. Boy, that's a lot of money. I hope the railfans who enjoy riding and chasing 4449 and 700 will pitch in to help this worthy cause. I sure would hate to see those engines go back on outdoor display (decay) like they were in the past. I sent in a sizeable donation a few months ago, and paid for tickets to ride the recent Stampede Pass and Wishram trips. :tb-biggrin:

 

I did not see any mention of the UP helping in any way. Hmmm.:tb-frown:

 

UP is helping. They coulda turned them out years ago and taken that roundhouse down, or not taken them at all.

 

I am often critical of Union Pacific and the actions they take but in this case I think Union Pacific has been about as cool as any large corporation accountable to its shareholders is likely to ever be. Like Flashwave said, they've let them stay in that roundhouse ever since the takeover in 1996. Fifteen years use is a pretty nice thing to offer.

 

Another article on this...

http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=131180122779201200

 

According to the ORHF site their only $1 million away. In regards to UP, they've done some double headers with the 844 to help raise funds in the past. Last I heard UP was going to let them move the turn table too. I think the move would be good anyways since the roundhouse is crumbling and a few years ago someone stole a bunch of traction motor cables for the copper. Plus with the current layout concept you won't have to beg someone to go see them when their not operating or fear the UP security and then you can make a day of it too. Go to OMSI, see the whatever is on display, see the sub, take in a IMAX film, and see 3 working steam locos. Any word yet on if they'll keep the other rolling stock there as well? I want to see Doyle's Alcos (PA for the win?).

 

There is not room for the rest of the great collection of locomotives and other rolling stock that once was collected around the Brooklyn roundhouse. Some have already been relocated to undisclosed locations. I don't know where Doyle will be able to put the PA. Come on out this weekend and participate in the Holiday Express. 4449 will be the power. Trains every hour Friday afternoon, Saturday all day and Sunday all day, leaving from Oaks Park. :tb-biggrin:

 

I have some (alright) pics from our trip up to Portland. We had to take them out of the window as our train rolled by, but they are of the back side of the new ORHF Museum. Some of the Equipment I recognized where things like the SP "Shorty" and the Nickel Plate Switcher among others, but the steamers where nice and warm inside. From the Looks of the locomotive that pushed us to Portland and the window we had, I'm wondering if Amtrak has adopted the "rain clean" method.

 

Any update on the 4449 and what happened to the SP&S FA?

 

4449 is in the midst of her 1472 day FRA form 4 work. Superheater tubes are removed, lots of jacketing off of her. This is all visible to the public, Thurs-Sun 1 to 4. I am not sure about the FA but suspect it has been "hidden away" as has Chris Fussell's engine, at some undisclosed location in Portland. It can't be to well hidden as Chris's engine has been vandalized.

 

Thought I'd add this. Doyle fired up his Alco PA not to long ago.

 

Not that I'm aware of, just a Facebook photo on ORHF's page.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...20953.100000247872295&type=1&relevant_count=1

 

Ken, I'm not positive, but don't think they have the wiring to the motors finished yet. I'm quite sure they had to fabricate the entire electrical system for the PA. There wasn't much left of it inside (or out) when it arrived from Mexico. That, and the robbery of the motor electrical harnesses from the Brooklyn roundhouse a few years ago.