What happened to N&W 578 at Ohio Railway Museum? (UPDATED 7/30/10)

Trains Magazine Steam & Preservation
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Just drove by and noticed the N&W 578 which was a 4-6-2 Pacific is gone from the grounds (or danged well hidden) The only things which looked to remain are possibly the tender trucks. A month or so ago it looked like the ‘train’ was moved for teh first time in probably decades with the Pacific and a few heavyweight cars pulled backwards a couple of hundred feet.

The museum is said to be closed ‘due to technical issues’ or ‘undergoing restoration’

Due to the museum undergoing major projects the Museum will remain CLOSED until a future date and time! Please keep checking back for more updates and details as to when the museum will open for the 2010 season.
http://dev.ohiorailwaymuseum.net/home.php

Now a couple of years back the gentleman behind the Ohio Central offered to buy the 578 but was turned down by the museum and it seems to have deteriorated further.

Anyone know what has gone on? I find it hard to believe a steam engine could just vanish!

Jack Roberts

7/30/10 - someone at ORM must have seen this post, it’s been updated on the website

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> Boy they must have it hidden well on site - Jack…



2010 UPDATE (where is N&W 578 ?)
7/20/10
For those of you who read this we wanted to get an update out there as to what is going on at the ORM. Well as some of you that have driven by have noticed a lot is going on. The biggest is that you are not currently able to see the N&W Steam engine #578… Not to worry it is still there, It has been moved behind some of the other equipment in order to allow us space to rebuild the track that it normally sits on when it is out in front. That track became very unstable for the loco to remain there safely so the museums’ staff decided it was time to rebuild the track. Over the past 6 months the museum has purchased 200 relay ties which will be used in the rebuilding process. The volunteers have remove all the old ties and are in the process of regrading and leveling the ground where the new ties will lay. Unfortunately there has been some delays in the rebuilding process which have forced the museum to remain closed until these projects and delays are completed, because of the size and nature of the projects the ORM Staff and Board decided for the safety of visitors that we would remain closed… We will try our best to keep everyone updated as to the progress…
Again thanks for visiting the ORM and being a loyal supporter…
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Museum is now open, and some new equipment is showing up…Mike