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Soo Line 4-6-2 No. 2719 may leave Duluth
These sort of restoration projects are always admirable and everyone loves to see more steam in action but here is an example of public funding being put into a locomotive that now is threatened to end up setting static. It is one endeavor to rebuild the locomotive for actual operation but certainly another to establish a business plan to actually operate it after the restoration. You need a lot of pieces to fall into place; car fleet, a railroad(s) that are friendly to passenger operations or a good relationship with Amtrak and a core group that will implement the business plan so the organization at least breaks even when running excursions. It is sad to hear that the 2719 could end up “stuffed & mounted” as opposed to being out pulling excursion trains somewhere for the general public to benefit.
Keep it in Duluth, on loan. Eau Claire doesn’t seem to want it.
It was always my understanding that when 2719 was moved to Duluth it was so that funds could be raised from her excursions, to pay for her 1472 day inspection when it came due. Why the LSRM decided to take that money and put it elsewhere baffles me. Since this is my favourite steam locomotive, I remain considerably upset about this issue. The last time I was in Duluth (August 2014) the locomotive was sitting outside, unprotected. It seems to me that if LSRM wants to keep the 2719 they should put it inside. At least that way it could be kept in decent shape.
I’ve ridden behind and in the cab of the 2719, and listened to that great whistle echo off the shores of Lake Superior. It would be a crime to have it “stuffed and mounted” and left to deteriorate outdoors. I can understand the LSRM deciding to put money first into D&NE #28 which was already partially rebuilt to get steam running on the North Shore Scenic this year; but now is the time to start fundraising for the 2719’s 1,472 day inspection and set a timetable to get her back into service.
I would be concerned about any city’s ability to manage the maintenance and operation of a steam locomotive. There’s more to it than merely building a shelter, as Tim Tennant points out. It’s an expensive, complex, highly specialized undertaking that requires more than the good intentions on the part of a city council to pull off. Is there an established (and I hope experienced) organization that could take over the management of the engine on contract for the city if the city were to exercise its option? I wish the engine well, wherever it ends up.
Paul the museum did fulfill its obligation about the inspection, sending money to the L&TPF as required by the contract. I assume they still have that money.
Regardless I’m sure the amount set aside would not be enough and additional funds would need to be raised if the engine were to be made operational again.
Also the museum moves exhibits in and out on a routine basis. Not sure where 2719 is now but I’ve seen it both inside and outdoors over the last few years.
I’d rather the locomotive stay in Duluth, that way there wouldn’t be issues with sheltering it or moving it. If it stays in Duluth, it’ll likely get restored, I was told after Steamer #28 was done 2719 would return. But it certainly depends on what happens in the near future.
I was at the LSTM this past Sunday and the 2719 was not in the indoor exhibit area. An ex-Erie Mining F-9 and the museum’s ex-DM&IR SD18 were in the space used for temporary indoor storage, with an NP observation outdoors on the same track.
Keep the 2719 in Duluth. It belongs with the great railroad history of the area. Shes beautiful alive.