Re: NNG- LIRR 39

The deal also stipulates that Strasburg will retain the locomotive for operation their property for a period of 48 years, which ensures it won't be returning to Long Island in the lifetime of anyone who remembers it in active service. I surmise the removal of place from the picture could prove a serious detriment for donations by virtue of disincentivizing non-railfan types, whose support for the project is derived from the prospect of returning a piece of local past to Long Island rather than simply having a certain much-foamed-over locomotive class back amongst the living, five hours away, where steam locomotives are borderline ubiquitous anyway. The Oyster Bay group, which remains committed to operating sister locomotive 35 on Long Island, stands much to benefit.