Developing this week...

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/06/25-soo-line-no-2719-may-return-to-wisconsin-for-display

Idle hands do the Devil's work.

The very idea turns my stomach.

I personally do not see a problem with this. As of now the 2719 is in the Lake Superior Railroad Museums hands and if it were to be returned to the park a shelter would be constructed for it, not a bad outcome to me. If it is moved to the park it may have a longer life span because of sitting dormant. Just my thoughts.

Connor

For those who object, it's a bit late now - both parties agreed to the terms many years ago, and both have been successful in living up to the terms as well as doing well by the locomotive. Either they live up to the terms they agreed to, or they renegotiate to another set of terms that satisfies both parties involved. No bad guy involved........

I would bet that by the time the City realizes how difficult and expensive it would be to move this engine it will likely not happen. Neither CN or UP will want any part of moving the locomotive and the cost of a new shelter
will also be very expensive. In addition, it's very doubtful after spending even more money to put it back in service it would not have a place to run. I could be wrong but I have my doubts as to it's return to Eau Claire.

Probably the best place for it is right where it is as the museum has the trackage to run it on.

exprail

It is a little disappointing that the original restoration to operation can't be built upon, as it's typically easier to go through the second 1472 day inspection, but the city essentially guaranteed that the museum would not start a rebuild when they wrote their option into the contract. I think part of the problem is because of the changed situation, the city (or some residents) feel they've lost "their" locomotive; remember, the original agreement with the Locomotive and Tower Preservation Society was going to keep the locomotive in the local area. Some parties are not happy it was spirited away to Duluth.

But what it will really come down to is if money can be raised for the move and shelter... especially the shelter. If it goes back to Eau Claire to be displayed under roof, it's really just mothballed for the future. If the money for the shelter isn't forthcoming, then very likely it will stay in Duluth, also a good home, and likely be rebuilt again while the D&NE 28 runs out its days.

Good information and very good summary, Dennis.

exprail

No offense to Brother Storzek intended but statements about the 2719 being rebuilt when 28 finishes its current certification are rather irritating. There are statements to that effect that have been made in numerous locations and all of them are still talking about something that's 8-10 years down the road and likely to be decided by different people than those managing the organization now. I can already tell you from one operating season that 28 is a better fit to the type of railroad and operation the North Shore Scenic Railroad is. All you can do with the 2719 is run back and forth to Two Harbors, hope the Canadian National lets you around the wye and back out of town in a two hour window, and charge more money for a ticket than most visitors to the area are willing to spend, let alone four or more for a family trip, which is the core of our ridership. 2719 ran in Duluth because it had a current certification, had nowhere else to go, and the museum was willing to take a chance on a partnership with an outside group. The locomotive would likely not be in Duluth now if the choice was being made today to bring it up as a recently operated but currently retired locomotive.

Nick, Please forgive my ignorance, but how does this differ from operating the D&NE No. 28?

Nick,

You likely need to call the office and chat with your superiors. Your statement doesn't jive with what Ken Buehler, the LSRM Executive Director is saying publicaly. It'd probably be best if you two were on the same page:



http://www.leadertelegram.com/News/Front-Page/2018/06/25/div-class-libPageBodyLinebreak-No-2719-buyback-goes-to-council-div.html

How many times have we seen this delusion before?

OK, so the museum now has to come up with more than $2 when the city holds its auction. Or, hopefully, another well funded preservation or operating organization. Beating the scrapper shouldn't be too hard.

The City voted 7-1 to extend the buyback period for six months, which LSRM also agreed to.

They still have to find a way to pay to move it from Duluth.