KevinM Wrote:
>
> At least around the time of my visit, it appeared
> as if the railroad was interested in re-acquiring
> another 70-class engine. I did hear stories that
> representatives had approached the people at
> Dollywood in Tennessee, regarding a derelict
> 70-class which that operation has yet to restore.
> They apparently were not interested in restoring
> one of several WWII "MacArthur" 2-8-2s that still
> exist, including one in Skagway. Since my visit,
> much of the railroad management has changed,
> including the President, the Superintendent, as
> well as several of the PR folks. It is difficult
> to say if there is any possibility that the steam
> program would ever be expanded.
>
> /Kevin Madore
I lived in Gatlinburg for 25 years, until 2015. I would be utterly shocked if Dollywood ever gave up the #71, unless they gave up their railroad operation altogether. The #71 has been successfully hydrotested in the last few years, after having been cold since the 1950s.
The 190s don't seem to have a mountain climbing reputation, hence the lack of interest in the 195 up in Skagway.