I’m usually over on the General Discussion forum, but I think these questions belong here…
First, some background: In 1972, I worked for the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. One of my faviorite locomotives there was an Alco-built 2-8-0 from the Lake Superior & Ishpeming RR, No. 24. It wasn’t steamed up often that year, due to worn side rods, but we ran it for special occasions. Much later, in the late 80’s or early 90’s, I heard that it had been sold to the Grand Canyon Railway, and rebuilt by them for use on their trains.
My questions, then are these: Was it indeed sent there, and if so, what is/was its new number?
Yes, it’s now on the Grand Canyon Railway and is still number 24. The Grand Canyon Railway bought two engines from LS&I at different times, but I don’t remember what the number of the second one is.
The most current information that appeared in a video about the Grand Canyon Railway a couple of years ago indicated that the second locomotive had not yet been rebuilt and was just in storage.
Hopefully, someone else knows the number and will post it.
Thanks, Cacole! I was hoping it was still working - a nice, easy-firing engine. Might the other one be #29? I saw a YouTube video the other day with a very familiar-looking #29 double-heading with a #18. #29 was a sister engine to #24, but I was under the impression that it had been scrapped - I’d be very glad to find out my impression was wrong!
I was under the impression that GCRR got the #18, #19, #20, and #29. #18 and #29 were restored for service, #19 for display and #20 for
parts. I don’t recall #24 leaving Green Bay, but the National RR Museum
website doesn’t list their collection.
#18 and #20 were recently sold to the Mount Hood RR . Not sure if GCRR still has the #19 or not.
According to the latest news about them, they are going to be transferred to the Mount Hood Railway and will be replaced on the Grand Canyon Railway by a 2-8-2 Mikado.