Sometime between 3:00 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2001, DRM VP Ron Freitag and I rode aboard RS-11 #1402 (original NH number) as it was towed from the track entrance gate on into the DRM yard. The Housatonic RR had dropped it off just inside the gate about 10:00 that morning. I will have some pictures of the event later on. As Ron put it, this is perhaps the most historicly significant event for the museum since its founding in 1995. This locomotive has come home. The museum has documents and photographs showing it at work in its original NH paint job in what is now the DRM yard. (The historians will have to fill in the dates.) I am glad I was able to be there last Wednesday to be a part of the homecoming. DRM = Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury, Connecticut
As a frequenter of the DRM I too am happy I can not wait to come see it. (But until I do let's see some pics of the event ) Let's hope that the DRM has the opportunity to keep acquiring great equipment! Russ/NYC
Here are the first pictures, taken the day RS-11, #1402 arrived (June 20, 2001). The number you see painted on it now was used for transporting the unit. That should be changed at the time of repainting.
Peirce, I see besides the temporary road number, someone painted some new headlights on the front of the long hood. Nice touch. Seriously, as a steam nut I am becoming fond of the old Alco's. They smoked as much or more than steamers.
Here is another bit of temporary painting, which was put on several places on 1402, to make sure she didn't stray during her trip from Georga. As far as your observation concerning Alco diesels, you are right, they often do show ther heritage. For example: The DRM's RS-1.
I have set up a photo album for the RS-11 pictures. Here is the link. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=76905&a=13398290&f=0 Be sure to check back often. I will be adding more pictures as we go along. So far, there are 10 pictures in the album. ---- Now - 14 pix. (July 8, 2001) ---- [ 08 July 2001: Message edited by: Peirce ]
The painted numbers on the ends of the hoods look temporary, but the ones on the cabsides look permanent. Was the locomotive run with this number, and which road/owner had it before preservation? What is the heritage of the unit? TIA
Here is a very brief rundown on the history of this loco. I will try to get more details when I have time. Originally built for the New Haven RR. Numbered 1402. The Danbury Railway Museum has documentation and pictures showing 1402 working the Danbury yard, which is now part of the museum. Being back in this yard means 1402 has come home. Went to Penn Central when NH was merged into that company. Next went to Conrail. I am not sure when the numbering changed. Ended up being owned by Martin-Marietta (I am not sure that is spelled correctly) and was operated in a gravel pit in Georgia. I believe the number you see now comes from MM. Future is still being evaluated. Will be repainted to original colors and road number. As much restoration as possible will be done. The museum would like to have it working again. It needs the back-up power.
How long do you figure until she's ready for some paint? I do not get up there as often as I would like (usually just for specials like this past Thomas the Tank) but I think I am now inclined to join DRM as I see thath the money goes to good use Happy Railroading! Russ/NYC
I took the liberty of doing a copy/paste of the following from another site. Ron is the one who can answer your question much better than I. ------- Thank you everyone for your positive comments & words of encouragement. It validates our efforts & reaffirms our resolve to find & preserve more artifacts. None of this would have been possible without the support we recieved & yes donations are still needed & appreciated. Memberships are also available. Donations can be sent to Danbury Railway Museum P.O.Box 90 Danbury CT 06813-0090 Attn;Treasurer & please write on your check "1402 restricted fund". Anyone interested in becoming a member & being involved with the restoration of NH 1402 should write to the same address "Attn; Ron Freitag" & I will send out a membership package. DRM is an all volunteer not for profit 501c 3 founded in 1994 whose mission is to preserve,restore & operate vintage railroad equipment in order to educate the public about railroading in the northeast. Your support is what makes this happen. Thank you again for believing in us. Sincerely Ron Freitag VP,Director of Accessions Danbury Railway Museum Danbury CT ------ Ron's e-mail address, in case you have any direct questions for him is: DRMFREITAG@aol.com We just finished a Thomas event at the DRM. I am sure that with that behind us we can start working on our next step into the future by restoring the past.
