Here is the retelling of the story from Glen Houlton, posted with his permission:
"Tuesday April 20th four of us, Larry Howard, Tom Baty Lou Hoft and I; Glen Houlton; flew to Maui to complete the purchase of #85. I was somewhat concerned about what we would encounter in regard to the attitude of the rank and file personnel of the LK&P. Would they be upset that we were taking their locomotive? It soon became apparent that that was not the case. Soon after our arrival Larry Howard related that the co-manager Iolani (I hope I spelled that right) told him they were glad that #85 was going home. Their mechanic Stanly was also very helpful. He and Lou Hoft hit it off right away. They were seen talking steam and locomotive talk for most of our stay at the shop. The LK&P is currently doing their FRA required 15 year overhaul of Anaka's boiler, and at one point Lou was observed in the fire box of Anaka while Stanly was pointing out various things. So they get along well.
#85 is spread out all over the place. So we spent most of the morning looking at parts. Stanly was very good about showing use where things were located. The largest part is the rolling chassis. Next is the tender shell, then the cab. The tender shell and cab are new parts and not the original. They are stacked on top of ex NAD Oahu flat car USN 61-01247 NID 317 003551 (for those are interested in that kind of thing).
About 1:30 in the afternoon the documents were signed and the check was given to LK&P. We then became the owner of #85 as is where is. Meaning it is our responsibility to put it together and ship to Oahu. At that point they handed us the photo album of pictures from when #85 arrived on Maui. They also handed us two or three folders with most if not all of the documents they have pertaining to #85.
It was a great trip. And I have to reiterate The people at LK&P were very helpful and friendly."
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And additionally from Glen:
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"The original boiler is still at the LK&P shops and is included with the sale. So the engine can be cosmetically restored.
The mechanical parts of the locomotive are in excellent condition because they have a very competent mechanic there who restored the chassis and protected it while stored. The only problem is the boiler.
I purposely did not take any pictures or say anything about the "new" boiler because it was my understanding that part of the settlement LK&P had with the manufacturer was that the details would not be made public."
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And one more from Glen:
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"I should amend my post to say the ORIGNAL boiler is there and is included in the sale. It has holes cut in it. Only a part of the so called new boiler is there and is not part of the sale. It makes an interesting conversation piece."
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/21/2010 07:52PM by Mark Fuller.
