Re: NNG Q: SP/FWWR/GVRR 2248 Tank...

Thanks for the photo Fritz. That tender looks similar, but the trucks are different and the side next to the oil bunker is straight.

As a native Texan, I can say there is nothing cute about such a ridiculous moniker. I'd wager it's indicative of the mindset of the operator and their opinion of their target market. Tourist railroads in Texas have historically been entertainment oriented, more akin to amusement parks than heritage operations - Exhibit A would be the Texas State RR of yore. In all fairness, hopefully the tide is turning with changes at TSRR and the track record of the operation at Austin. I wouldn't object so much with the appearance of 2248, if they altered the look to something circa 1900, with a carbon arc headlight, etc. At least with the T&P as a local railroad, a capped stack and a grey boiler would be justifiable. Oh, and lose the Puffy label, of course.

Thanks,
-Jeff

Fritz Klinke Wrote:
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>
> and what I see now looks about the same except for
> "Puffy" lettered on the side--is that something
> Texans think is cute?