4-8-2 SLSF 1519

Discussion in '1500 Class Mountains' started by BigSteamFan, Dec 11, 2020.

  1. BigSteamFan

    BigSteamFan Member

    Does the city of Enid, OK still owns Frisco 4-8-2 SLSF 1519?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 16, 2024
  2. Iantha_Branch

    Iantha_Branch Member

    4-8-2 SLSF 1519 is in a museum in Enid.

    I would think the museum has ownership instead of the city.
     
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  3. BigSteamFan

    BigSteamFan Member

    Why did Enid gave away their steam locomotive to the museum?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 16, 2024
  4. Karl

    Karl 2008 Engineer of the Year Frisco.org Supporter

    As was the case in many instances, the local government lacked the means or desire to maintain the donated steam locomotive or piece of rolling stock.

    Often the piece became a liability and graffiti-covered eye sore. Many steam locomotives were donated with the boiler lagging asbestos intact, and they became a “mini super fund site”.

    The Frisco in many of the locomotives that it restored for display, removed the lagging, and it used wood, furring strips to support the jacket.

    The lagging also retained moisture, which sped the decay of the displayed locomotive.

    The_Daily_Oklahoman_Wed__Nov_12__1997_.jpg

    The_Daily_Oklahoman_Wed__Nov_12__1997_-2.jpg
     
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  5. BigSteamFan

    BigSteamFan Member

    So Enid no longer owns the 1519?
     
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  6. palallin

    palallin Member

    It does not seem to have left the city, and, frankly, it is apparently better off.
     
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  7. patrick flory

    patrick flory Member

    I know of a city that scrapped two historic steam engines.
     
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  8. Gerry David

    Gerry David Member

    Sorry to comment on a slightly old thread.

    I went to the museum in 2019. They do own the locomotive, and as Palallin said, it sounds as if it is better off. I have read and heard before they really did not take care of it supposedly. Not sure how true it is though.

    Unfortunately, there is one older gentleman there that, for the most part, is responsible for the upkeep of all the rolling stock on site. I am sure there are more than a few fine folks who volunteer to help. But overall, it is just him, or at least that is what I got from him.

    I cannot imagine him previously painting the 4--8-2 SLSF 1519 in years prior alone. I know when I saw it, it was in need of a new paint job.

    If any effort is mentioned to give it some tender loving care (TLC), I would be happy to drive up and help with any efforts.

    And if anyone here happens to regularly help out, or even know the nice folks who run the museum, I mean no disrespect. It was just my observation I made when I visited. I am super grateful the locomotive, rolling stock, and other items in the museum have been preserved.

    Attached is an image I got of it in 2019. Yes, it is one of my attempts at editing a photograph, so feel free to critique.

    Instagram really does make us all "photographers", even if we are not. LOL
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 16, 2024
  9. Brad K

    Brad K Member

    I really hope that other cities and museums with Frisco locomotives take notice of what Rolla, MO did with the 4-8-2 SLSF 1501.

    There are people out there willing to volunteer the hours to make them beautiful.

    There are businesses willing to sponsor or donate to restoration efforts as well.
     
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  10. mkmarshall

    mkmarshall Member

    I would like to answer a couple of questions concerning our museum's Frisco 4-8-2 SLSF 1519 locomotive, and furnish some updated information about it for those interested.

    First, the Railroad Museum of Oklahoma does own the engine . It has since the 4-8-2 SLSF 1519 was moved from the corner of East Maine Street and South 5th Street in Enid to the museum site in 1997. There were several reasons for the move.

    One of the goals with the founding of the museum in 1987 was to add the locomotive to its collection so it could be accessed by visitors. Something that was not possible when it was located near St. Mary's Hospital.

    Another reason was preservation since the former location was prone to flooding. The great Enid 1973 flood inundated the lower half of the engine. And, as has been noted by others, there were maintenance concerns which could be better addressed at the museum.

    The 4-8-2 SLSF 1519 will be 100 years old in 2025, and a centennial birthday celebration is in the planning stages. Next year, we will submit a grant proposal to BNSF that would, along with matching funds from the museum and private donors, help provide a complete cosmetic restoration of the locomotive and tender, along with a new ramp that will allow better access to the cab.

    We also plan to put the engine and tender under cover as soon as possible to help ward off additional damage by the elements. With only six of the original thirty 1500-class locomotives remaining in existence, we feel it our duty and privilege to make sure this engine is available for current and future generations to enjoy.

    We will keep everyone posted on our plans and progress, and we thank you for your interest!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 16, 2024
  11. Iantha_Branch

    Iantha_Branch Member

    I hope that everything works out for the centennial restoration.

    Keep us updated, and let us know if there is anything you need from this group.

    If this celebration happens, I might be willing return to Oklahoma for that.
     
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