Did you ever hear that there's a very rare ALCO PA still around? It's called, the Nickel Plate Road #190 (formerly from both ATSF and D&H). The official website about the ALCO train; :: NKP190.com ::, now has 2009-2010 updates (the pictures). We haven't got any updates since 2008, but now we have. :ru-wink: When will the restoration of the NKP 190 be completed? Link: :: NKP190.com ::
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica]The Return of the PA Engines #16 & #18[/FONT] Oh yes indeed and I even got a chance to photograph them just after they crossed back into the US from Mexico. Several other railfans also have sent me photographs of them as they headed north to where Doyle would start on his magic. I see that 2010 has brought new work on NKP#190 so maybe we will soon see the finish product running. :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up:
Ah yes, Doyle McCormack's baby. I think you can safely say that the Daylight is living in a manasury. (Spelling?) I think, like most projects up there, they are extremely interested in fortifying everything up there for the move to the new location next year. It would be nice if 190 could move under her own power, but their interests are in getting things to move. There's also a second PA that survived, it went to the Smithsonian. (If you didn't know, the 4449, SP&S 700, and 197 are being evicted from Brooyln Roundhouse by UP. All the stuff outside needs to move by next year, including an Alco RSD5 in NKP and a F40, plus almost 2 dozen coaches. the roundhouse tenents themselves must clear out by 2012.)
I am pretty sure Doyle wanted to have this restoration completed by now. It was hampered by vandals breaking into the Brooklyn roundhouse and stealing the electrical cables for the traction motors among other things. :tb-sad: The photo was taken back in 2005 at the start of the NRHS National Convention in Portland, OR. Richard "Durango" Hie is painting the trucks. Much more has been accomplished since then.
The Roundhouse was locked up but the vandals cut a hole in the wall and entered that way. There is now an alarm system. The Yello Peril wants the area where the roundhouse is for intermodal equipment.
This was back when scrap metal prices were really high. There were a rash of burglaries across the country. Actually, I heard that it was Trimet that wanted to expand their garage that is right next to the roundhouse I had also heard that the deadline for them moving out has been pushed back, because UP did a Site environment study and determined that it was going to be expensive to clean it all up and Trimet balked.
Anyway, I expect the restoration of the NKP #190 be completed by around 2-3 years. Despite these articles (about the comeback from Mexico and the start of the restoration) on Trainweb, it's been more than 3-4 years. >I tried to post this reply earlier, but I couldn't because my Internet was slow...<
It's what we do. And no, it's UP who wants to expand over the old roundhouse. I have not heard of the dates pushing back, since they are written into a signed contract with 4449 and company, I don't expect them too, either. Regardless, the Friendses have wanted tog et to a more public site so they could show off the engines (a roundhouse deep in a UP yard ain't a good place for tourists) and this has proven a grand opportunity for them to get to move somewhere, pain int he caboose or no.
Well, I heard this information from one of the Guys at Tammies Out in Beaverton and while this guy (apparently) knows a thing or two about running a preservationist railroad, I have no idea what kind of connection he has with Doyle (I believe he has one). The Trimet deal is believable, because the roundhouse area really isn't very much space at all. They wouldn't really be able to expand to a significantly larger capacity. And yeah, they want to move, but getting the new site prepped and ready to receive them isn't a trivial task.
Website refurbished! The last time I entered the NKP 190 website, the design has been changed into the new one! Cool! :mbiggrin: I just thought they have other updates. :tb-frown:
Do they have any thoughts for a first test run? Perhaps by Spring? Gotta wonder how much he has into the project. Surely it's a small fortune. I hope there is plenty of opportunity to showcase this when completed. Boxcab E50
Well, I'm working at the computer on some household stuff this morning, so have a window open to this site. I am a fan of Doyle's efforts. He has always done quality work. His operating has always been first class. Chasing 4449 was always a joy. The work they are doing, have accomplished in bringing back what was essentially a scrapped hulk, is amazing. From what I can see, they have literally built a brand hew engine. If it can get out and roll some main line miles, I am sure the public will pay attention. It's some really classy passenger power! Boxcab E50
Bear in mind what Doyle started with. This photo was taken in 2002, and they had gotten trucks under the hulk and done a little bondo work.
