KLIX GP9 #657 in Evergreen, Montana today. Brrr. Temperature in the teens, with a breeze, but I had to see this engine! Soon to be permanently displayed in front of the old Great Northern depot in Kalispell. Note: She is indeed ex-Great Northern Railway #657, but in her real life never actually wore the "Big Sky Blue" paint scheme.
It was a bit more than chilly! But is only less than a ten minute drive, so no excuses- I had to be there. It was not clear and sunny to begin the day, but by the time it was spotted by the local, the weather was cooperating, 100%. Yay!!!
Well, I learned something about this engine's future, over the Holiday weekend. It will not be placed on display by the old depot. It is now going to be on sited a few blocks east of there, by a park. Knowing the area, the city's parks are NOT well kept and there is vandalism, a-plenty. So this precious artifact will likely end up suffering the same stupidity. And I did voice my opinion about this poor decision!
I saw plenty of photos and aerials of this movement from Justin Franz, another local railfan. It looks great!
I traded a few PM's via FB with Justin about this decision. He works only a couple of blocks from my residence.