Re: Espee NG

I know the N.C.N.G. As a young boy I spent alot of time visiting family in Nevada City and Grass Valley. I also explored and hiked the old grade . I also played in the R.R. shops in Grass Valley before they were distroyed in a fire. In more recent times I have visited the museum. The staff was very nice and freindly. They were very happy to spend some time to show me around.
Karasu is right about the #5. Hollywood (Universal studios) distroyed it. They never thought of it as an "Historical locomotive" but only as a movie prop. The current boiler on the #5 was built by the Dixion boiler works. This boiler ( If you can call it that) It sits on top of the cut off side sheets of the original boiler. No effort was made to actually copy the original boiler and most of the original hardware was scraped. In an ironic twist of fate though. the #5 sister the "Glenbrook" is well underway on her "long term" full blown restoration at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. She was the N.C.N.G. parts engine to keep the #5 going. Many of the Glenbrooks current parts are from the old #5. Who knows maybe someday some one may come up with a grant to restore the #5. Although it wold be very expensive but worth it. I wish all the folks at the N.C.N.G. museum the best of luck and sucsses in the future.
Phil Reader.
Engineer/ mechanic
Georgetown Loop RailRoad