So this has been on my mind for a while. We know the during the 50,s that the c,b&q ran special steam excursions on their lines with 4-8-4 5632 2-8-2 4960 and 4963. We also know the extremely sad fate that happens to 5632. The 4-8-4,s the c,b&q had were absolutely stunning. 5632 was and is very big favorite. Even though I wasen,t born till 1993. So my question is this? I know off the top of my head that 4 sister locomotive survived. Her twin 5629 is one of them. What are the possibility of one of her sisters returning to steam? Which ones are in good shape to return? And who would be wanting to do it? I would love to see 5632 twin 5629 return. But I really want to see one just return. In a sense I wanna see a wrong fixed. That and see one of those beautiful engines run again. Is it possible. I say yes. Who knows.
I don’t know of anyone that has considered restoring a CB&Q 4-8-4, but I have learned that with Steam Locomotive restoration, NEVER, Say Never.
Steve Lee wasjust about the most Knowledgeable person when it can t UP Steam restoration, and even Steve said, that a Big Boy would NEVER be restored to service, and He cited several Good reasons for that. Well, the 4014 isn’t back in Steam YET, but a whole lot of “Good Faith” work has been done, and UP seems very sincere in their effort to bring the 4014 back to life, so anything is POSSIBLE, but don’t go holding your breath waiting for one just yet.
I would Love to see a CB&Q 4-8-4 steam again as well, but I haven’t even heard of any proposals yet, never mind and dirty work getting done, but one CAN Hope, what can I say, I play the Lottery[:$].
Doug
With the right supply of desire, skills and $$$$$$$$$$, anything is possible.
Having ridden behind 5632 once and watched it run by 2-3 more times including in gold paint, I would love to see any of the existing O-5a class (#s 5614, 5629, 5631, and 5633) restored to operation. But it seems unlikely.
Well, the problem that I see is there are a LOT of restorations going on right now, and many locomotives currently running. But this requires money AND a place to run. With so many locomotives already running, why add another? Basically, another restoration is going to compete with other groups’ locomotives for dollars and a place to run.
Personally, like almost everyone, I have a limit to the amount of dollars that I donate to steam restoration/operation groups. I’d love to see a CB&Q run, but I can’t put any money up for it. I will, however, continue to put dollars into the FWRHS, as they have an incredible track record.
While I’m at it, I encourage everyone to donate some TIME to your favorite group, as well as some dollars. I’d especially encourage you to donate money if you are going to be chasing/photographing and not riding. After all, steam locomotives don’t burn coal or oil, they burn money!
Great point str gauge, often to many chaser and not enough donaters.
So let’s create a T1 recreation fantasy to suck up some of those limited $. But they say it isn’t so!
Also, not enough people willing to volunteer some labor. Not only do I strongly encourage chasers to donate some dollars, I also encourage people to donate some or their time. Even if you are not a welder, machinist, or a boilermaker, there is ALWAYS something for ANYONE to do.
Donations take many forms, cash, sweat, office skills fund raising, grant writing, the list is end less. They are generally the first to complain about and individual, group or corporation not doing enough.
What bothers me are the free loading chasers.
5629 will continue to sit where it’s been for years. - Golden, CO
So out of the 4 surviving. Which is the best candidate for even someone bringing one back to steam?
No doubt. I’ve been to the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden and for the life of me I don’t recall seeing any standard gauge trackage leading into or out of the premises. I could be VERY wrong, but it would seem to me 5629 is effectively marooned at the museum. Could be worse, sure beats a scrapyard.
And if any of you ever get out to that area DON’T miss that museum! Fabulous place!
There wasn’t any direct rail connection to the UP 4014, when it got moved either.
There is a rail line the other side of 44th Ave. about 200 feet south.
A rail line 200 feet away? Well that’s good, it means there’s some hope, no matter how slim. I was hoping I was wrong on this one.
ADD segway , do they make a Q 4-8-4 IN HO SCALE
plastic??? I know they do in brass but those are
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Thomas:
Nope. Brass only, and out of production for many years (possibly several decades). Save your pennies. Maybe start a write-in campaign with the manufacturers. Don’t hold your breath. Check RDG Casey’s rebuilds on the MR forum for ideas on a do-it-yourself O-5a.[:)]
Tom
(edited)
Samhongsas available from $650-950.
http://www.brasstrains.com/Classic/Trains/Roads/26/Chicago-Burlington-Quincy
I don’t know about the viability of any of these CB&Q 4-8-4’s as an operating engine. If the desire is to run a big, fast CB&Q steam loco, it might be worthwile to take a look at the half-dozen or so existing 4-6-4’s. On the Steam Locomotive site, the listing for no. 3007, at the Illinois Railway Museum, suggests that she is a candidate for restoration. Photos from last year suggest that she is in pretty good shape, but of course photos don’t necessarily tell the whole story.
Tom
While I agree I would love to see a big CB&Q 4-8-4 or even 4-6-4 running, my vote gose towards geting a CB&Q mikado running. The one I am think about is 4963 on display at Mendota IL. She looks like she is in decent condition but looks can be deciving i understand. It would be interex=sting to see a 4-6-4 pounding the high iron thought.