Sorry for the unfortunate news gentlemen. There are no WP f units even close to running on the mainline pulling a passenger train. The two at Portola need major work to get their blue cards, the one at Rio Vista is not only in need of a blue card but it is currently land locked. The WP 913 in Sacramento isn't close to a blue card. So I don't know how an F unit in WP paint will pull the train. Now I do have some shots of the f's in Portola if anyone would like to see them. Greg
Greg- What type of work do they need? I'd suppose that this means wheels, brake systems, and? Boxcab E50
I can't say for the 917 in Rio Vista, but the 921 and 805 need a lot of work. The 921 will be pulled out of service hopefully this year and and major work done on the prime mover and such. The brake stands on all three are not FRA compliant, but might be acceptable if placed under museum fleet status. Since they all have been retired, they will need to be inspected for FRA compliance to get the blue card. Once that happens, they fall under the rules just like a working unit on a railroad. As I understand it, 913 in Sacramento has thin flanges along with the same issues of the other F's. You have to remember, the 921 was retired by UP and donated to the FRRS. It has worked as a museum unit ever since and not had any real work done on it. 917 is in the same boat, and has been used less but still needs attention. Reliability is a key factor, none of them would meet UP's reliability standards currently. It would take some major cash donations to get all three F's up and running before the WP Historical meeting in April. I will talk to a friend at the FRRS and see what he knows about the trip you guys are talking about. Greg
