I lived in Ill for 30 plus years and in the early days of the IRRM, it was a
great place to visit and they really did a fine job of managing their
equipment.
My last visit, about 5 years ago, just after 3007 arrived, was a
disappointment. I saw a hugh collection of RR equipment, more than what the
site can hold. I was there for Zephyr days, and noted several birds nests in
the grill of the baggage car, made it hard to get "clean" photos of it. I
asked why it was not cleaned up for the show and got a "what a stupid
question" look for several members. If this was the pride of the IRRA that
day, one would think that they would take 10 minutes to clear her up.
I talked to several members at their book store and they were interested in
getting donations. I left $$$ and when I returned home, sent off a
collection of RR magazines. No acknowledgement, no thank you, no nothing. I
wrote a letter to the Directors, got no reply at all.
I get the feeling that they believe in "He who dies with the most toys....."
It appears they have too much, and obviously not enough resources to handle
what they have. Is it not better to invest time, effort and money in a more
manageable way? On the other had, if they did not step up to the plate on
all the equipment they have, would anyone else? We will never know.
As for 3007, it is highly unlikely she will ever run. Too costly, and then
where would they run her?
Ray Bedard
San Jose
From: "John Lewis" <CBQJohn@m...>
Reply-To: BRHSlist@yahoogroups.com
To: BRHSlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [BRHSlist] Any news on CB&Q 3007?
Date: Thu, 08 Mar 2001 07:39:24 -0800
John,
While I am not speaking for IRRM, here is what I have gleaned from visiting
this fine place.
The donations requested were to defray the cost of buying and moving 3007
to
Union and for 'track space' to stow her on. The last time I saw her, she
was coupled to CB&Q 4963, safely inside one of Unions large 'barns' where
she is safe from the elements.
Union's steam crew is now working on restoring one of their small Union
Pacific engines, along with keeping their Frisco engine operational. I
believe there is one small steamer after the UP engine that is a likely
candidate. Check out their page at www.irrm.org
Could 3007 be restored some day? Sure. The operative thing here is a
thorough inspection to determine if she is a likely candidate and major
bucks to fund the effort. While Union is a fine museum (in my opinion), I
don't think they are rolling in $$$$!
I think the one thing that would be a restoration killer is the fact that
she is a coal burner. I can't think of one mainline steam engine that is
operational today that burns coal (yup, I know 765 is lurking in the
wings).
Would it be possible to convert her to oil? I suspect it would, since the
Q
demonstrated it could be done. But again, there is that nagging quesiton
of
money.
While long winded, I hope this answers your questions!
Regards,
John Lewis
>From: jh1221@a...
>Reply-To: BRHSlist@yahoogroups.com
>To: BRHSlist@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [BRHSlist] Any news on CB&Q 3007?
>Date: Thu, 08 Mar 2001 13:56:40 -0000
>
>Hello all, I was just wondering if there has been any work done on
>3007 since she went to IRM? I remember seeing something in Trains
>magazine when she went in, asking for donations for her restoration.
>I know that IRM is very busy taking good care of what they have under
>steam right now, but wow wouldn't it be nice to see 07 under steam
>again? Thanks; John
>
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
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