I didn't see a turbocharger mentioned before. Still, these things sound like they could have been targeted by a saboteur because they effectively prevent the train from being able to run until they're replaced, are more difficult to replace than say simply smashing the windows or cutting out copper pipes and wiring, and they aren't the types of things that could potentially be overlooked and cause people to get hurt.

On the other hand, maybe that list of potential known enemies should be expanded to include rival organizations too. I would leave the speculation as to exactly which organization that might be to the pros though (as in, the police investigating this case). Casting suspicions on a public forum like this can lead to nowhere good.

So much conjecture going on here.

I agree the conjecture is rampant, and perhaps out of control.

On the other hand, the conjecture is driven in part by the ridiculously specialized mnature of the vandalism/thievery.

BTW, not to disparage "daylight4449's" quick research, but those of us "in the know" already pretty well know those three places, plus a LOT more (short lines, etc.) that you won't find in the "Tourist Trains Guidebook". I've even been to two of them in Ohio on official business--Ohi-Rail in Minerva, and a private owner in suburban Cleveland. And if I call up my friends that track industrial locomotives, I could come up with a dozen more locos sitting at feed mills and whatnot. Plus the Ohio Central. Plus Relco. Plus Larry's Truck and Electric.

Question to think about: Who contract-maintains whatever industrial Alcos are left in the Midwest? Imagine someone hired to rebuild a switcher somewhere, needing just that turbocharger..... and in the right circumstances, crossing state lines to throw off suspicion is not out of the question.......

Hmmmm. Time for me to send a few e-mails and make a phone call or two.....

Dylan, You need to be very careful about your quick "off the cuff" comments that you make based on quick internet searches. Casting the wrong aspersions without hard evidence that is capable of action by the appropriate police and legal authorities could result in legal consequents against both you and your parents, since you are a minor. Look up "Libel". Can you say "Goodbye, College Fund"? "Hello, Judgement against Future Earnings?" While I agree with Richard that this smells more like sabotage than simple theft or vandalism, any suspicions we have need to be reported to appropriate authorities for investigation, not speculated upon in a public forum. Also, there are members of this Forum from both of the entities that you mentioned that have been here a lot longer than you have. If you had mentioned my organization in your hasty comments I would right now be PM'ing the moderators requesting your banishment for sheer stupidity. I didn't see anyone here appointing you as "Miss Marple" on this matter........

What Gary said.

My own "list" was not actually a "list of suspects," but simply highlighting the fact that you can't possibly restrict this stuff to just someone with a particular locomotive type. I once drove a rental truck 1,200 miles for a client to execute a three-way swap of locomotive/car parts like this, and then took Amtrak home.

Bear in mind also that the "cabal" of people who have ANY practical use for a 539 turbocharger is hideously small, much worse than, say, the pool of people with a use for MG-TC, Edsel, or Studebaker truck parts. As a general rule, they're forced to work with, or at least know about, one another, in a sense. It would be difficult--albeit not impossible--for such a part to get re-used or resold unnoticed by others in the field. The same SHOULD apply to the railroad car seats.

The way I see this whole thing is, a terrible event took place, which terrible probably isn't even the right word to decribe what took place. These people have worked hard to make this tourist railroad a success, and they were given a very bad taste of what this world is becoming.

As for trying to cast stones at people who may or may not have been involved is pretty dumb if you ask me. We all make assumptions, just don't let your assumptions make an @ss out of yourself. That is what my History teacher taught me in High School. While many may agree with your belief Dylan that it could be a conspieracy, in truth, we don't know and we should let the professions take care of it. They are good at that sort of thing you know.

Here's what I think we all should do (my opinions). Donate money to these people, or even ask to volunteer over there to help them recover from this. One person, or one dollar, can make a difference.

Martin

Dylan, Listen to Martin, he is of your generation, and like Aaron, far wiser than most of your peers. Martin, we still have plenty of rotten wood and iron oxide with your name on it. Aaron, your hat is still riding around in my car awaiting your next visit.

Right, speculation gets me nowhere. If only I had solid evicence...

This is not the railroad detective message board. I am locking this topic. More productive discussion in a new thread is welcome.