Several months ago I mentioned that a project was underway to move a WSL Shay. The news is now public now that WSL #9 is the Shay I was referring to and she is now in transit to the Georgetown Loop. When I was first approached with the concept of this trade arrangement the advantages of the concept became quickly apparent.
This is yet another in what will hopefully continue as a trend in the steam industry. A trade of this kind is good for both railroads.
WSL #9 has operated very sparingly since she was purchased in 1966 and sent to the Midwest Central. She has seen less than 100 hours of operation a year since 1966. While she has been well cared for over the years, she has never had the thorough type of inspection and rebuilding that is so costly but also so necessary under the FRA Form-4 requirements. She will now get that as a result of this trade.
The Loop needs the bigger power and has the ability to do the Form-4 work on WSL #9. The Loop's #12 is too small for the demands of the Loop but is perfect for the Midwest Central operation.
The #1 at Midwest Central is too big and expensive a project for them to conduct themselves but again, this is what the Loop can do well.
When all the dust settles, you take one over-worked and underpowered locomotive and put her to work on a line she is perfect for, while at the same time you give the proper re-build to WSL #9 and put her to work on a line she can serve well to increase ridership on, and finally you get #1 rebuilt and back in service and off display.
There are winners all around here.
We did a similar project a year ago with the trade of PLA Pickering Heisler #1 for the re-build on PLA Sierra #30 boiler by the Oregon Coast Scenic RR. Again, that trade sees 2 engines back in service as a result of the trade.
Let's hope more such arrangements can continue so more of these locomotives can be returned to service.
Martin
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/28/2011 06:50AM by LOGGERHOGGER.