A bit of information you may want to include is that the 154 was not donated outright from IRM to the Henry Ford Museum, but rather traded for Toledo & Detroit 4-4-0 16.

Nice little write up and summary. Is 643 rapidly deteriorating? Hard to say until somebody with steam chops gets a close inspection. Thanks for your interest in the subjects!

My logic is that 643 was restored to operation in the mid 90s, then sat inside with no work for a few years and now has been outside for 11 years with no care whatsoever. From past experiences, once rust gets ahold of a engine it only goes downhill at a very rapid rate. You also have to take into consideration that 643 is in Pennsylvania, a very snowy and rainy climate.

Thank you for you kind words as well, I really appreciate it.

Hi conner 643 was inside from 94 to 2006 my father me and Glenn do basic work every year we try. Normally gease bearings and try to tarp the engine. Glenn had some issues this year which prevented us tarpping it. The stack is covered atleast.

Thanks for the information! I hope you and your father are doing well and keeping the locomotive maintained.

Connor.

Glenn's the ring leader lol he keeps us together like flying monkeys. Glenn and everyone involved are just happy the engine is still around. We still keep in touch with Mr, Corns ( spelling my be wrong) and many others who helped over the years.