Until this can be fully verified, I myself consider it suspect. If they are about to scrap it, how can he say "We have plenty of time..."? $20,000.00? Be real careful with this.
I'd steer clear no matter what. Those things are about forty years old now and would just be a bucket of bolts. It would be a money pit. Tom G.
My info indicates that this would be one of the following: SLSF 933, BN 6681, MRL 6681; SLSF 938, BN 6686, MRL 6686; or SLSF 946, BN 6694 MRL 6694. Anyone with anything different? And George's Creek RY is a real shortline in Maryland http://gckrail.com/gckabout.htm with several locomotives in restored WM paint schemes.
I spoke with them Friday. The locomotive has been retired. They are going to scrap it and remove anything useful to the remaining SD45s on their roster. Their fleet is very well maintained and the remaining hulk would be anything but junk. The $20,000 is likely what it would cost ME to move it to the east coast, not a selling price. Read the message with understanding before you make a statement like that. Class 1s frequently will donate the move for a non-profit. I am not a 501(c)3, nor do I want to be, but I would like to help preserve one of those SDs. I am willing to approach them on behalf of a credible non-profit and solicit a donation of the locomotive.
Have you ever watched a locomotive being cut up? They first drain the oil and fuel, Then they light the torches and cut away the car body so it is easier to get to the parts they want to keep. If they can be persuaded to donate it, they will remove the hood, remove the components, then replace the hood. Surely even you can see the difference? We have time to convince them to do it in a way that preserves the car body. But make no mistake about it: their intention is to scrap it.
Oklahoma Rwy Museum in OKC could probably handle it. They've already got an FP45. (check out their "Frisco" F9 )
A pity the MAR is in the process of moving their equipment from Dallas to Frisco. I bet I saw this SD45 work unit trains of coal into the ATSF E. Dallas Yard which the L&A moved on to Lone Star Steel in E. TX. She sure would look good on display in Frisco, TX! Joe Toth
