Seen on the Ohio Railway Museum FaceSpace about a week ago, looks like they're giving the little Pacific atleast a cosmetic restoration. They also mention possibilities of an operational restoration in the future, though with the wording used I wouldn't make much of that comment. But in that same breath, if memory serves the only reason she was taken out of service was a spring rigging issue. Needs more now after sitting but still shouldn't be in too bad a shape.

Nice to see the engine getting some much needed attention either way, they were showing off the brand new cab windows they just finished up.

Seems unambiguous to me that at this time they are pursuing stabilization, not operation. Note this comment: https://www.facebook.com/OhioRailwayMus ... SuCAsUu3ml

"Ohio Railway Museum
Note For Railfans - We understand your eagerness to see her back in steam. While that remains a possibility for the future, our immediate focus is on stabilization and cosmetic repairs. Completing these tasks is essential for laying the foundation for our long-term operational plans. If you're passionate about helping this E2 Pacific return to steam, we invite your support. Please like and follow us, and when the time comes, be ready to lend either your tools or your cash—we'll gladly need both.
1w"

You know, Jerry Jacobson offered to buy the 578 at least, and probably more than, once. They are as stubborn as Dick Jensen was in holding onto a historic artifact they can't keep up, but won't let anyone else who could have it. It would have run under Jacobson's ownership.

Maybe, maybe not. Prior to Ohio Central acquiring NKP 763 through other means, the interest in 578 was primarily as a potential bargaining chip or at least that was an assumed possibility. The idea was that perhaps the Roanoke museum would be willing to accept another N&W locomotive in exchange for the Berk. I'm not sure if any offers were made on 578 once 763 joined the collection or not. Either way 578 is the star attraction at what is otherwise a trolley museum. You really can't blame them for not letting it go and I'm glad to hear it is receiving some cosmetic work.

I'm guessing this is the same engine I rode behind several times in the late 1970's or early 1980's, near Columbus, Ohio. I always have wondered what has happened to that engine over the years.

Eric

Really, current drama there aside, in the long run, 578 does belong in Roanoke as the last existing N&W Pacific (I know, in the long run we'll all be dead anyway). One of the principles often preached here is focusing your collection to it's primary objective. Not every electric museum can also be a steam museum like IRM. There is nothing wrong with a trolley/interurban museum being just that, especially when they have a significant RoW to maintain and operate, which I think is where Worthington is at. They've never had the donor and volunteer base to do it all well.

Jerry also tried to buy GTW 4070, probably more than once. I know he would have restored that one to operating condition on the OC. It would have been a good companion piece to 6325. And while it would probably not be running today the way things turned out, it would be proudly displayed in the museum in Sugarcreek as a whole locomotive.

Having grown up at the museum in the 1960's/70's when my father volunteered there, I'm very happy to see it getting some attention. When I run into younger steam fans, who via YouTube know at least the basics of the Southern/NS steam program(s), I find it fun to "brag" that I've ridden behind four N&W steamers, which will leave them scratching their heads.

My assumption was that JJJ wanted it as trade fodder to get 763. Certainly Roanoke would be a sensible home for her.

I wish the small group at ORM all the luck in the world, they have a huge burden in a tough spot, but a lot to work with.

Photo of more amazing times I thought would never end by Dad:

http://columbusrailroads.com/new/utility/slideshow.php?color_primary=92&color_secondary=138&color_text=173+%28should+often+be+173+WHITE+or+176+BLACK%29&header_photo=db-023-orm-120.jpg&matrix=175&file=.%2Flive%2F07Railfanning%2F03Ohio_Railway_Museum%2F12ORM_Postcards%2Fmatrix02.txt

BTW, the bell shaped thing hanging from the overhead down the track, over the track closest to the station is a fan they used to pull a draft.

Bob

PS: after ORM imploded, after a few years, he migrated to the Buckeye Scenic until they moved away from Columbus, recently referenced in another thread.

That is interesting with the 578. Very interesting locomotive.

Really the N&W locos in the most need of help are the 4-8-0(s?) at VMT that are part of the "lost" collection, then that 2-8-0 with the 4 wheel tender at some restaurant etc.

Surely the 4070 will at some point get to operate on teh CVSR. Kinda similar in a way to the AWP 290, in GA which has been apart for like 30 years.

You’ve definitely got the order right. 578 despite everything against it at least has had some care put toward it.

There’s two 4-8-0’s but only one is a part of VMT, and that’s the 1151 which does have a tender but is probably in the worst condition of any of the locomotives considering it was mid overhaul when it was put in the scrapyard.

The second 4-8-0 is 1118, owned by the Roanoke NRHS chapter and sits with no tender in their yard. With their projects and equipment I can’t imagine that it’s high up in their priorities.

And then the 2-8-0 with the dinky tender? Didn’t that place get sold recently?

Meanwhile, back at N&W 578, I recall the locomotive has freeze damage in the cylinders due to an uncapped stack or poor cool down care or a combination of both.

Confirmation or clarification of the story is appreciated.

~Wesley

Since we are discussing N&W locomotives does anyone know the status of 1134's ownership? I heard somewhere the organization that had her (the Railroad Museum of Virginia) was defunct - can anyone confirm? Their website is still up but doesn't appear to have been updated recently.

While it doesn't reflect their operational status, Railroad Museum of Virginia, Inc. did file their corporate annual report with the state of Virginia dated 6-26-24.

Steamguy73 -

If I remember correctly, one of the "Lost Engine..." Twelve-Wheelers got a N&W tender off of a Class A 2-6-6-4 and one of the others off of a N&W Y class 2-8-8-2. Perhaps the Roanoke NRHS Chapter is looking for another genuine N&W tender for the 1118. Can't be many "extras" around now I would think.

Les

I received the following information from a friend who was active at Ohio Railway Museum when N&W 578 went out of service.

I am unaware of the cylinder issue, but know of other reasons why it was taken out of service. The warped grate, main bearing issues(?), spring, tender timber (tank needs removed and beams replaced) were all mentioned at the time.


One interesting point about the tender repair was that a plan had been made to roll the tender body on its side so the beams could be placed on its frame. There was also a spare grate stored in one of the cars on the siding south of the 161 bridge.

~Wesley