I of my dreams is to restore a locomotive but how do you go about this. from getting the locomotive to getting funds to restore the locomotive.
The best way to start is to acquire a sizeable fortune, either by inheriting it from your forebears or by arranging to make it yourself (preferably in ways that won’t make you a candidate for residence in one of those unpleasant facilities run by the government.) Once you have the funding, then you can worry about the minor problems…
For an individual who is comfortable, but not rich enough to require security guards around his walled, gated mansion, the more practical alternative is probably to buy or build a scale model live steamer big enough to ride behind, in or on.
For us common folks, well, we have to settle for much smaller scale models that move under electrical power.
The big thing about a steam loco, of any but table-top model size, is that it’s rather like getting an elephant. It isn’t the first cost, it’s the upkeep…
Chuck
To add to what Chuck has said, you must have deep pockets, either your own or ones of others into which you can reach. Often.
Steamers can be restored, but they must also be certified and inspected, and that just adds to the cost. Then, there’s the insurance if you wish to make it at least partially pay for itself…with customers.
You would want a business proposal if you want backers. And it would have to be a very convincing case for people with money to want to provide it. Marginal plans and returns would net you the associated support.
But, let’s say you have overcome all the usual obstacles, and you now have a running engine with some eager backers and customers lined up at your loading facilities (you did remember to include service and operations in your plans…yes?) Now, where does this glorious, newly restored beauty run? Which corporation owning tracks will accommodate you? It won’t be cheap.
-Crandell
Steve Martin gave instructions on how to become a millionaire on Saturday Night Live many years ago and I believe he is on to something. First he said, get a million dollars. For a steam locomotive to be restored to operational status, My advice is to get three million at least. Steve never really said how to get the money so I can’t help with that.
It seems like most steam locomotives now require about 1.5 to 2 M or more to get it into complete operating order if they have been setting or retired. Even the 261 required flues and boliler work which the total cost is beyond my thinking today. After you got an engine track ready and inspected, most large railroads do not and will not allow you to run it. The biggest exception now is operating on Amtrak lines and you better start out with several million if you want to be a millionaire after the excursion. The other major problem is the early boilers like the PRR K4 is not of sufficient thickness to be approved any longer. The new rules have sidelined some of the greatest locomotives of old and only new boilers or complete new fabrication of almost all of the inside of the boiler will pass inspection now.
Check out the web site for the friends of the 4449, or the 261 or the 2926 being reworked in NM. The cost is sky high and they need contributions. Each flue for the 2926 is $ 300 for the larger ones and $200 for the smaller ones. The best thing we can do is contribute to those engines that are already half way completed so we can see them run. The 2926 should be on the road late next year for the 150th celebration of NM
Crandell
Right on!
Even Ross Rowland has problems with getting the 614 back on the main line. His latest deal sounds OK, but it is going to take so much money that I have some doubts that it will ever happen. The plans are to start with diesel power. That does not sound great to me but it might work with Ross doing it.
CZ
Do you know how to become a millionaire by running steam engines? Start with a billion dollars, and keep running the steamer until you get it whittled down to a million…[:D]
This little jewel is all I can afford - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV5oqQcRlg4
- James