Re: freight rolling stock?

The Chapel Car (no, I can't think of the name of it either), three SOO line steel heavyweights, and the J Neil 2 truck shay were trades by Ford Bovey/aka Bovey Restorations to John Larkin of Escanaba and Lake Superior. This trade was for rebuilding the gas mechanical train caught in the fire (engine 8), rebuilding the original steam passenger cars (built on the frames of Western Scraper 10 ton dump cars), and completely rebuilding the track between Virginia City and Nevada City. This in addition to the restoration and delivery of Engine 12, and also a 15 ton Plymouth 2 axle critter.

To the best of my knowledge, the equipment traded to Larkin is stored in the old P&H crane plant in Escanaba. Mr. Larkin has had poor relations with railfans (builder plate thieves amongst others), so does not entertain casual inquiries about his collection. Others, on the RYPN list could detail more about Mr. Larkin if you are curious.

In all honesty, it really was a good deal. We just have to keep it all running, same as everywhere.

Oh, and for those who would desire a longer run of the Alder Gulch, well we would too, but Alder is a town of all of 50 people, with nothing to do there. I suppose if there was a 5 star resort there it might make sense. Myself, I would love to have a run up the Alder Gulch of a few miles, but it would be a tough piece of railroad to build and there's no available right of way either. Most folks like what we do, and since they pay the bills, that's what we do.

Michael Seitz
Brakeman, Alder Gulch Shortline
Missoula MT