SP 2355/restoration probable

Sloan · **Posted:** Wed May 28, 2008 11:12 am

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/ ... n0528.html

jd johnson · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:50 am **Posts:** 399

Everyone,

Is this a sister engine to the engine that is sidelined in Niles Canyon for firebox issues?

Just curious.

JD Johnson, Morehead and North Fork Railroad Historian

Randolph R. Ruiz · **Posted:** Wed May 28, 2008 3:42 pm

I wonder if the donor of the $15,000 understood that he may not be "saving" the locomotive? Mesa has set a goal of raising $400,000 for moving and cosmetically restoring an Espee engine that never saw service in Arizona. Once fixed up, I believe they plan to still have the engine on display outdoors.

The community had months to reach the initial $15k target, and only raised $3,000. It is obvious that the supporters of this project are stalling for time and hoping that the city will end up paying for the project. In the meantime, at least two groups have expressed interest in acquiring the locomotive. The local supporters would have you believe it is a choice between raising the money or scrapping the engine.

Anyone have any ideas as to where would be the best home for this engine?

jd johnson asked:

Quote:

Is this a sister engine to the engine that is sidelined in Niles Canyon for firebox issues?

No, it is sister to 4-6-0 #2353 at Campo which has been sidelined by firebox issues. Niles Canyon is currently home to three operable steam locomotives, including this SP Pacific:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rrr/2528646645/

jd johnson · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:50 am **Posts:** 399

Randolph,

Thank you for your reply. I got the two groups mixed up. Maybe someday, I can get to go back out west and see them both.

Take care,

JD Johnosn, Morehead and North Fork Railroad Historian

Jim Baker · **Posted:** Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:07 pm

R. Ruiz is correct; 2355 is the sister to 2353 in Campo. 2353 was the class engine for the T-31 class of 10 engines. They were built by Baldwin in 1912.

Check our web site, www.psrm.org, for photos, videos, and more info.

We're having 2353's firebox checked out in a couple of weeks, and we should be making a decision on whether or not to attempt a restoration to operation in the next few months.

Of course we'd love to add 2355 to our collection (who else, except the D&SNG and C&TS, has two locomotives of the same class?) but unless someone with some very deep pockets becomes extremely generous, that probably won't happen. We'll be pretty hard pressed just to get 2353 back in service, and I'd rather spend the $30K or so that it would take to move the '55 on the '53. Sure would be nice to have an identical back-up engine or the opportunity to double head, though.

When a decision on the 2353 is made, I'll be posting the information here.

Jim Baker, Steam Foreman, PSRM