Frisco 1519 Steam Locomotive

Does the city of Enid, OK still owns Frisco 4-8-2 1519.

 

1519 is in a museum in Enid. I would think the museum has ownership instead of the city.

 

Why did Enid gave away their steam locomotive to the museum.

 

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 sites”. 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.

 

So Enid no longer owns the 1519.

 

It doesn't seem to have left the city, and, frankly, it is apparently better off.

 

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

 

Sorry to comment on a slightly old thread. 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/heard before they REALLY didn't 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'm sure there are more than a few fine folks who volunteer to help (can't imagine him previously painting the 1519 in years prior alone), but overall, it is just him, or at least that is what I got from him. I know when I saw it, it was in need of a new paint job.

If any effort is mentioned to give it some 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's one of my attempts at editing a photo (Instagram really does make us all "photographers," even if we aren't lol), so feel free to critique.

 

I really hope that other museums/cities with Frisco locomotives take notice of what Rolla did with the 1501. There are people out there willing to volunteer the hours to make them beautiful. There's businesses willing to sponsor or donate to restoration efforts as well.