what ever became of Southern Pacific 4-8-4 4460. Will the 4460 run again.
Sitting in a museum in Missouri.
It could run again, as anything is possible. Don’t hold your breath though. There is nothing online that indicates a restoration effort–beyond a new coat of paint–is even being considered.
I know the 4449 and the other locomotives are trying to raise funds to relocate seems it would be more beneficial to assist the one running, than the one not.
It could be done… and with enough cash it will be done. Its a dream of mine that one day I will help get her running… and maybe if we are lucky do a run with the 4449.
Any restoration to operation of 4460 is problematic at best. While a handsome locomotive, it has little historical significance apart from being on the final steam powered excursion on SP. The issues, while not insurmountable, are defintely there:
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Condition. The locomotive sits beneath a train shed canopy, but is exposed to the elements to a degree. A full mechancial inspection would be required, and if I am not mistaken, she was looked at a long time ago as a candidate for the American Freedom Train and later as an operational engine when Frisco 1522 was ultimately selected to represent the museum as a railroad ambassador. If that is true, then why was she rejected? The mechanical inspection, by competent railroad steam mechanical personnel will project an apporoximate cost for the mechanical and cosmetic portion of the restoration. This does not include insurance, cost of moving it to a place where heavy equipment can get to it for work, and housing it under full cover to protect the restoration from the elements, theives and vandals among other expenses.
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Availability. Part of this should actually be placed ahead of Condition. Is the locomotive available for a restoration? Some groups are content to let the thing rot in the equivalent of a public scrapyard, with park benches and a flowered entrance. Other groups would assist in the effort to some degree; in any event, unless the owners are doing the restoration, it is likely that the answer would be a resounding “no” or at least “show us the money”. Availability also includes availability of skilled personnel to do the lion’s share of the work; rarely is this a “learn as you go” proposition. Availability of parts and materials is another. Cash will help with the materials, but the railroads made large quantities of their own parts during steam
it could run. i say the best person to restore it is doyle mccormack after the 4449 gets a new home.sinse he can run the 4449 for 30 years