A group of wealthy investors from Texas is submitting a proposal to lease and restore 4-8-2 SLSF 1522 back to operation. They consist of a Texas and Pacific (T&P) enthusiast and a Texas and New Orleans (T&NO) fan who apparently have the money and organization to do the job. They have submitted a sketch of the restored engine with their proposed cosmetic changes.
Don, If you know, what is the story behind the "cosmetic" changes, and what is with the Vanderbilt tender?
Looks like they are trying to make the engine dual purpose: Frisco and T&P. T&P loved the Elesco hot water heater systems and Vanderbilt tenders. Same with the T&NO, which was a subsidiary of the Southern Pacific (SP). I am all for the Frisco being restored to operating condition, but not at the expense of making it into something she is not.
Well, I am quite certain that the "investors" are not interested in my opinion, and probably do not need my money either, but this thing looks just awful It is like putting antlers on the front of a Cadillac. GS
More times than not, it is the people with way too much cash and no where to spend it, that end up with the options to do good where we might wish. If they have the money do not rule out the antlers, and they sure will not ask us. Can always consider yourself ahead if the locomotive is not repainted Frisco Red! Rick
Yeah right. While we are at it, let us see if we can get some Chinese backers, put a bunch of stars around the smoke box, and paint the wheels red. I fell for one of these two years ago. Never again! Pat Moreland, Union, MO
It is a black and white sketch, but surely it includes red drivers! Oops, see Pat beat me to it with this idea. Gordon
Not for nothing, but whoever did that drawing does have talent. T&P stack and the Elecso feedwater system. Sadly a pathetic Vandy tender. All the Frisco flavor. Sad April Fools joke. I fell for it.
Texans with more money than brains should invest in the Age of Steam Museum move. I know the name has been changed, but I am from the old school that burned down a few years ago. Cannot teach this old dog a new trick. Joe Toth
I guess I am the exception to the rule. I am a Texan with more brains than money. Had I won the Mega-Millions, I would have bought the 4-8-2 SLSF 1522 and brought her here to San Antonio, TX and put her under steam again!
Well played, Mr. Wirth. And, well illustrated. Quote the immortal Slim Pickens: "We've been suckered in!"
It's like Charlie Brown and the football. We all know what is going to happen, but we still keep coming back for more. Remember the Spot engine that had been experimentally rebuilt as a 2-10-4? Gordon
Oh good heavens, she looks horrid! I would personally like to start an organization to return 4-8-2 SLSF 1522 to steam, get her a new facility somewhere along BNSF tracks between Cuba, MO and Pacific, MO so she is on home rails and all. But that is a lot of money.
