I'm just curious as to what or who to talk to about the steam locomotives in Merrill Oregon. I've heard alot of different stories, so far alot of them are pretty strange. I'd like to hear from someone that is actually involved. No offense, I'm not looking for opinions, just the real deal. I'm probably on the wrong board but it is a place to start.
Merrill Oregon locomotives I would like to know who to talk to about the engines in Merrill Oregon. I would like the real story not someones opinion or heresay. I am in a position to possibly do something with them [ not scrap ]. Jeff
Hi Jeff, Welcome to Trainboard. The locomotives and other RR equipment in Merrill belong to a gentleman with the last name of Kepner. I can't recall his first name for sure, but I believe it is Fred. He reportedly lives in a mobile home on the property where the equipment is located. He and his mother, who is now deceased amassed the equipment to establish a railroad museum. It is not likely the museum will ever get off the ground now his mother has passed on. Many people have tried to get Mr. Kepner to part with some of his holdings over the years, without much success until recently. If this is your goal, I wish you luck.
Yes. I believe the first name is Fred. And as I understand the information, what you have already been told here is true. Good luck. Someone needs to get that stuff away from there. Before it is a total loss. Boxcab E50
At one point Fred had his collection scattered in a few different locations. Over the last two years or so there has been an effort to consolidate it at Merrill. From what I've heard he had to sell off a couple pieces to pay for the movements and just recenlty Sierra #38 was moved from McCloud to Merrill. I've also heard the GN steamer is for sale but at a pretty price. I'm of the understanding he is unwilling to part with any of the rest of his collection at this time. The best person to talk to would be Martin Hansen, his lawyer who also goes by the name LoggerHogger on many discussion boards. Fred and Martin get quite frequent requests for this equipment to be sold or donated and so far efforts have failed. At this point, Id just let it lay but feel free to join the long line of people who want to see Freds collection split up.
Thanks Thanks alot guys. I'm not new to the whole message board system, just new to railroad groups. I've chased a few miles of railroad bed with all the questions that go thru your head. Now I have the time, and the means to do the things I want. I'm doing them, I don't chase a certain paint job, or an old car on a different line, just the old trail thru the woods or desert. I will try to contact Mr kepner's lawyer. Jeff
Its a good goal to have. Welcome aboard and here is my question. Anybody have pics?Maybe a detailed list of what he has? Thanks!
Also Long-Bell Lmbr #4 and the third truck to Pickering Shay #8: Note, the rest of Pickering 8 was moved to Merrill from Cottage Grove last year.
John, Its sad to see all of that equipment sitting rusting to the wheels. But like his mother Fred is only worried about himself and not about anything else. I tried to do business with he and his mother in the mid 1980s and found both of them to be less than helpful. The only way the equipment will ever be split up is when Fred passes away. Shannon
I only have the response that I'll have to paraphrase Martin Hansen. Fred made the effort and spent the money to buy these locomotives. They are his to do with as he pleases despite how you or I or any others may feel about it. If he so wishes to let them rot until he is dead then that is his perogative. It may be a shame and I too wish something would be done with them other than what is taking place. Until he decides to part with them or is legally parted with them, there is nothing anyone can do about it. Unfortunately, I feel, it may take his death before anything is done with them. I also need to point out that the last two years there has been a much more concerted effort to get the collection back together in one spot and start looking after it. For now, I enjoy the fact that there is a siding full of old locos that I can go take pics of and poke around. Neat stuff up close in person with alot of history.
