That's a great greeting, but I wonder if it would be more appropriate to place the two at the Omaha Union Station. The engines look great, I would think they would start show wear and tear from being in the elements.
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| Posted by PaulJW on November 20, 2008 | |
When I see that beautiful 4-8-8-4, after viewing the one at Steamtown, I keep hoping that some group or invester takes the initiative to rebuild one of them to operational condition. As a long time railfan, I pay good money to ride many trains all over this country. I'm sure there's many more people who do and would also pay good money to ride or even see a 4-8-8-4 locomotive run again. I was told by a park ranger at Steamtown, that the money to rebuild the one on dispaly there would be in the 10-20 million dollar range, maybe even more.
As an invester on a smaller scale, I can see a market for trips powered by a 4-8-8-4. Imagine trips of 500-1,000 miles, that return to the original start point, that include sleepers, dining cars, etc. A week vacation at a cost of $1,000-$1,500 per person. I would gladly pay that. I keep being told that the cost of maintenance, coupled with the initial investment to restore the locomotive are too high. Neither NS or UP have ever developed a "vacation package" as aforementioned, with either of their great locomotives. I'm hoping they read this comment.
I do keep wishing that someone will find a way. We all have our wishes, that's one of mine.
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Now there's a town I wouldn't mind visiting. Awesome display.
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One of my favorite place with my favorite engines!
Thank you, Christopher!
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I am honored that my sleeping by tracks image ends up on the same search page as this beautiful union Pacific display. I first encountered a big boy at Steamtown in Vermont. later on I found another one under cover at the National Railroad Museum in Wisconsin. I encountered the Centennial unit in a video by Pentrex. This video was like a DD40X bible with a total explanation of the development and operation of this monster diesel. you have capture this tribute in a beautiful image. Thank you Christopher for uploading this photo.
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