Re: NNG, 1944 Balwin 2-8-0 for sale

We looked at this engine up in Washington State. It is smaller than 1744 and would be only good for 3 cars up the east side of La Veta. We came up with a quick budget and figured that we would spend about $800K by the time we bought it, stripped it down for inspection, boiler survey, new flues, and put it back together.

In the end we figured for that kind of money we could find something bigger that would suit our purposes.

To that end, we have just finalized the deal to purchase 2 2-8-0's that are in Hood River, OR. They are former Lake Superior & Ishpleming #'s 18 & 20. 18 is operational have been rebuild for operation on the Grande Canyon Ry in 1989, and was reflued this summer. 20 is best discribed as a "project". It is missing lots of parts, but is not beyond the point of restoration.

18 has about 42,000 lbs of TE compared with 1744's 33,000 TE. I think 18 should get 6 cars over the hill.

I have no idea when 18 & 20 will arrive in Alamosa, will keep you posted.

Also in the works are dome cars for the passenger train.