Check out the bottom of the "What's New" page: http://www.wplives.org/PRM_Home/What_s_New/what_s_new.html
I wonder what that means to their collection? Deaccessioning of all non-appropriate items? Including the Milw U-boat? Boxcab E50 [ January 10, 2006, 01:34 PM: Message edited by: BoxcabE50 ]
As far as I've heard, the collection will stay together. Of course over time there will be refinement but that has already been goin on. FRRS is still FRRS. The museum itself was renamed from "The Portola Railroad Museum" to "The Western Pacific Railroad Museum at Portola". Dave Epling has already contacted me to change the name on my links pages on my sites. I'm sure he or another member will correct the above if I got it wrong.
Hmmm. Just an offbeat thought here- I hope The Borg won't object to their using that name! Boxcab E50
While the Milwaukee U-boat isn't related to the WP, it won't be disposed of lightly. The museum is looking to trade non WP equipment to acquire WP equipment. When a trade is possible, the FRRS tries to head the equipment to an appropriate museum. The FRRS isn't trying to dictate to other museums their business but likes to see pieces go to good homes. They have worked on 3 way trades where all three parties have been satisfied with the results. The ex-SP Alco FRRS had is now in San Diego and well on its way to operation. Much better home than in Portola. There has been rumor that the Milwaukee U-boat maybe leaving and it will be headed to a museum that will try to get it running again. Items like it and others are in flux but the FRRS isn't about to scrape such jewels. And speaking of WP equipment, the FRRS will be receiving their first WP steamer in February. The 0-6-0 was on display in SF Bay Area and later at the Niles Canyon under the car of the PLA. Portola will get a steam program again after many years of just diesels. Cheers, Greg Elems
Hi Greg- I'm sure FRRS doesn't do anything without careful thought. I just like to see equipment in appropriate homes. In the past, too much has been scattered everywhere. Or worse, in fictious paint schemes. How much WP family steam survives? Anywhere? Something larger than the 0-6-0? What are you doing lately? Still working way to many hours? Boxcab E50
Hi Ken, The FRRS is trying to get equipment to appropriate museums. It all takes money and time. There are 5 WP steamers left, 2 0-6-0's, 1 2-8-0 (IIRC) 1 4-6-0 and 1 2-8-2. As for me, my start time in the yard is now 6:15 am and I’ve worked over time 8 out of the last 9 days. Nice for catching up on the bills from Christmas but hard on the extra curricular activities. (know what I mean?) VBG Watching my e mail and checking in here once a day seems the best I do. Modeling has gone out the window for now. UP is still hiring and we will have two more classes of conductors before January is over. Greg
That explains why there are now 2 UP rotaries at Cheyenne. Someone told me that the second one came from Portola.
UP brought one out west in 97' for the big snow storms. It sat in Roseville up till a year ago IIRC. September 05' the FRRS ran a hospital train to Cheyenne and the rotary was part of the train. FRRS stored it and a couple of passenger cars, partially to stop the vandalism that was going on to them in Roseville. With our current FRRS president, we've made big strides in earning UP's confidence, which helps us in equipment moves. Greg
