If my memory serves, the 168 was a good candidate for restoration as she was in pretty good condition considering how long she had been idle. AND it still had most of its parts. The 483 is in very rough shape and has been cannibalized over the years since it was retired (1977). Pragmatically speaking a far better candidate would be 497, it basically needs a 1472. It would also put another class of loco back in operation. As far as the Friends doing it, 463 turned out to be a much bigger job than anticipated and I think you'll find more than just a little resistance to doing another engine in anything like the near future. Or even reasonably near.
The 5% fee is collected and some project funding is drawn from that fund. Exactly how it works fiscally will have to be answered by someone with more knowledge but, it is an active program.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/14/2018 11:44AM by Rich Murray.