It is my understanding that NYC 3001 from Elkhart is going to be rebuilt. It is to be rebuilt at MILW 261 shop in Wisconsin. The 261 shop is already making parts and both tenders will be going with it as well. Once in the shop it's only supposed to take about a year to be completed.
Roger, that would be wonderful news if this means to operational status. Or does your information indicate merely to repair damage caused during ~50 years of unprotected display?
Roger, when the rumor of rebuilding came up several years ago, I was all ready to move to Elkhart to participate. My wife managed to return me to sanity. If it's true this time, I may do the same thing, though this time to Minneapolis-St. Paul. :tb-biggrin: Fact: 261 is in the shop now, being rebuilt after a hiatus in the restoration caused by a long, drawn out battle between Friends of the 261 and the Green Bay Museum. The end result was the purchase of 261 from the museum by the Friends. I think it will be sometime next year before the rebuild is done, and maybe longer, as funding does not cover the entire process. :tb-sad: Conjecture: Ross Rowland is starting up an excursion in the east, to one of the ritzy resorts in West Virginia. He has stated that although this will start with diesel power, eventually three steam locomotives will be involved. Naturally, Ross's C&O 614 would be one of them. Where would the others come from? Since 3001 has not operated for years and has no fan base like the 3751, 4449, and other operating locomotives, it may be a great candidate for this operation. Who knows? I for one certainly hope so and would be willing to help on the restoration.
I meant Minnesota not Wisconsin. The 261 crew is not involved but the loco will go to the same place to be rebuilt.
I share your sincere hope, Roger. I would truly love to see a New York Central locomotive running once again. :tb-biggrin:
Speaking of "running", when was the last time 999 ran? Are there any rumors that she might be refurbished and run again? I'm assuming she's still at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago....?
