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I’m reposting this here for a friend.
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EMD SD9 “599” is a railfan and tourist favorite in Skykomish, WA. Previously a hub for Great Northern Railway, the city of Skykomish continues to serve as a hub from Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF).
“599” was a former Burlington Northern loco that was retired and has since been repainted in Great Northern colors and given the historical “599” road number.
BNSF graciously offered to donate “599” to the City of Skykomish to help preserve railroad history and the Great Northern heritage. This arrangement was agreed upon a number of years ago, however the City of Skykomish has struggled to find a location and funds to move “599” from its current position on a BNSF spur. As an active railroad, BNSF cannot continue to allow “599” to remain parked indefinitely.
Recent work by BNSF drew attention and sadness with preparations to drain fluids with a view to scrap the loco. The intent was always to save “599”, and BNSF has agreed to provide additional time for the City of Skykomish to raise the funds needed to move the loco and preserve it.
The City of Skykomish is limited in how it can accept public donations, which has complicated raising funds to save “599”. A strong partner of the city is the Great Northern and Cascades Railway (GNCR), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit and currently holding long-term lease on City of Skykomish land adjacent to the BNSF lines. This land is used by the GNCR for a 5,000ft 1/8 scale ride-on railroad that of
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What is the distance from the locomotive’s existing location to this proposed new locatation near the depot?
Has the pricing for this move been established, and will the rasing of $40,000 (mentioned on RPN) cover the cost of the move?
Once the move has been completed, will the locomtive be at a permanent display location on City of Skykomish land?
Has the City agreed to this plan to immediately receive the locomotive placed on their land for display, and will the City pay for any maintenance, insurance, or admitstrative costs associated with receiving and displaying the locomotive?
I want to first remind everyone, I am not personally involved in this project. I just reposted this fundraiser here to draw more attention to the project.
The locomotive sits on a spur that is attached to the BNSF railway. According to BNSF, the locomotive has been sitting on the spur for 6 years awaiting the city to accept ownership. BNSF claims the loco is drawing vandals and is becoming an eyesore. Thieves have removed the traction motor leads already sadly. To save 599, she has to be lifted up off the BNSF spur and sat down on land owned by the city, not BNSF Ry.
The current goal of the project is to do just that, lift 599 off the BNSF spur and onto city owned land.
The GN 599 can be seen on Google Maps in relation to the city property. https://www.google.com/maps/@47.7088462,-121.3579311,155m/data=!3m1!1e3
Looks like the city has a dirt bike type park basically in the railroad yard. The minirature live steam railway is also right next to the GN 599.
In my humble opinion, BNSF should push the 599 back to the end of the spur and then remove the switch and donate the spur to the city and pull up the tracks in front of the 599. Problem solved.
Robert
In other BNSF SD9 news, it sounds like the last ones under BNSF ownership are going. 5 long stored ex GN SD9’s (I believe the last unrebuilt examples on the property) as well as the three SD9-3 rebuilds (1 ex GN, 2 ex CB&Q) are all in the laid up for sale list.
I see this unit was moved the other day on the VRF grab bag. Anyone know where it is heading?
Reardon WA once all mechanical issues are fixed. Where did you see it?
At about 5:20 they show the movement
That is at Skykomish WA, leaving Westward.
Mac