Central of New Jersey Alco RS-3 1554

m3ohwell · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 3:59 pm

Former Central of New Jersey Alco RS-3 which has been at Jim Thorpe, PA. for quite a while now, (she did run once) was sent to the Delaware Lackawanna in Scranton today April 10th. I was told she will be restored to operating condition in her CNJ. paint. The Reading & Northern delivered her today at Pittston Jct. where the DL picked her up. She now belongs to the DL.

Ed K. cp Laurel Run

m3ohwell · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:03 pm

The Delaware Lackawanna waits at R&N's Pittston Jct. to pick up the RS-3. The DL used to run into here to interchange with the R&N. However, since the R&N. took over trackage from Pittston to Scranton, PA. This hasn't happened for some years now. The 2423 has just been resurrected by the DL., their latest Alco! Lots of neat stuff going on here in NE. PA.

Ed K. cp Laurel Run

KevinO · **Joined:** Thu Oct 21, 2004 2:59 pm **Posts:** 114

Ed,
Is she now owned by the DL or is ARHS simply leasing her to them in exchange for a restoration? It seems odd that they would give up such a significant locomotive. Either way at least she is in capable hands.

Kevin

m3ohwell · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:27 pm

Not sure, only posting what I was told.
Ed K.

steamtown observer · **Joined:** Mon Oct 25, 2004 3:11 pm **Posts:** 371

Quote:

Ed,
Is she now owned by the DL or is ARHS simply leasing her to them in exchange for a restoration? It seems odd that they would give up such a significant locomotive. Either way at least she is in capable hands.

Kevin

Kevin, the following was posted by the Anthracite RHS. They also said they are going to eventually repaint it, remaining in its CNJ colors. I'd assume ARHS is paying for the paint?

Quote:

The ARHS and the DL have worked out a mutually beneficial arrangement for the 1554. As of right now the ARHS still holds an interest in the unit. This arrangement and the DL's expertise in repairing 244 engines presents the best opportunity for the 1554 to operate again. It will stay in CNJ paint.

Richard Jahn
ARHS

Another neat toy for Scranton! And the possibility of 4 RS-3's running together.

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Sat Apr 11, 2009 10:40 am

Quote:

The ARHS and the DL have worked out a mutually beneficial arrangement for the 1554. As of right now the ARHS still holds an interest in the unit. This arrangement and the DL's expertise in repairing 244 engines presents the best opportunity for the 1554 to operate again. It will stay in CNJ paint.

Richard Jahn
ARHS

What I suspect is that the agreement mandates that the loco be returned to the ARHS in intact and operable condition upon final cessation of use by the D-L, or a "right of first refusal" agreement. Although lease arrangements are actually standard operating procedure even among short lines, most loco preservationists aren't thinking in terms of complete asset depreciation......

I certainly wish the operators and ARHS well, but I've seen a similar arrangement in the UK end up in nasty litigation. Imagine if the engine blows up or catches fire in D-L service. Who pays for the repair or new engine? Who provides the parts? What does this do to the loco as an artifact?