Well, got a response form RCraig, the survivor list owner. Unfortunately he cannot add any info but is goin to check a lead or two. Now, with the above thought that it was just a cab and nose built into a structure of some sort, I ask another question. In So-Cal, one of the theme parks just recently built something like an ice cream shop or such from the cab and nose of a real F7. The body they just manufactured. It is painted as Western Pacific. What number??? Anybody know and could this be the very same one I'm looking for???? Hmmmmm......
John- I soap operas, this would be considered as a plot complication! Amazing how much work is involved, for a bit of simple railfun! Boxcab E50
John- Same here. Although sometimes it does become a little frustrating. When you just know there's info out there somewhere. But can't lay a hand on it. Boxcab E50
Here is what I know about this unit. It was purchased by a private individual from US Steel. It was, as listed, an ex NP unit. It was trucked to a location outside of Oroville California. The plan was to make it into an office and repaint it into WP colors. There was an article in the old CTC Board magazine about the moving of this unit by truck. If someone has access to the magazines they should be able to get the rest of the story. IIRC the article was in the mid 80’s and the issue had a picture of the move on the cover. I don’t think it had a prime mover in it or any of the other parts need to make it operable. Another story I heard about that unit was the nose door had a headlight that was intact. It was traded to the Alaska RR for a nose door without a headlight, since the ARR was in need of the second headlight for one of their units. It ended up on one of their second hand E units if memory serves me right. At this time, I don’t know if the shell still exists or its location. Greg
Greg- Thank you very much for the input! Was hoping you'd see this thread. I'll have to try and find a copy of that CTC Board.
It would be interesting if that article has info on how it got from Simon & Sons, to USS. I'd imagine by that time, it was well worn. Wondering if USS neded to rebuild it... Boxcab E50
John, you are welcome. My old CTC Board magazines are all boxed up otherwise I'd dig it out and relate the full story. Ken, as IIRC the unit was a parts source for their fleet and that is why it was a cheap deal. The cost really got up there with the move. Greg
At Disneyland interesting, note the Station sign, Burr-Bank, didn't know the WP went that far south See link: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=83642
It's in Disney's California adventure which is themed to the entire state, so It's perfectly valid to have WP there. The problem is that the station design is completely Santa Fe. Disney wanted something with a California name IE the California Zepher, but they wanted the more famous Santa Fe Arcitechture. Having said all that, it looks nice and they have a couple of passenger cars with it containing a bakery and railroad themed toyshop.
I believe this is the f unit that Dale Sanders (of the CTC Board) brought to Oroville and was going to use the cab as an office at his parent's home. Do not remember their address as it was quite some time ago in my younger years
Sounds like it just may be. Maybe I can look up Sanders in the Oroville phone book and get and address, then take a drive by to see if I see anything. Hmmmmmm. Thanks all!
WP 920-D I remember reading the CTC Mag at the time the Owner or editor for the Mag owned it! But where he and the Fake 920-D went is a never been known