Re: How hammered IS that locomotive ? *PIC*

Here's a shot of #7 in the more advanced stages of restoration. I took this around 1997 I believe; it was in my slide collection and I do indeed remember taking a few pictures of her that day.
If you saw what I did around early 1996, its amazing what the skilled crew at RC did with the "Big 7" as I like to call her. I took up an invite with my family (later found out it was Paul Boschan, who now runs his own steam restoration/boiler firm in Carson (southern CA)). I watched the "Dixiana" steam up. I can't remember this time if the #3 was pulled out and to be steamed, or was under rebuild at this time. I was shown the shops and the back of them where much equipment is kept. The #7 was basically not much more than trucks and a frame at that point. In '98, she was looking good; 5-chime whistle (Star Brass too if I remember correctly), silver smokebox door, etc. I didn't see her run in '89 when I first visited RC, but I did ride behind the #3 (ie RCBT #2). I'd love to find my pictures from that visit. I lived just a few towns from Felton and was a frequent visitor.
One of the last times I saw the #7, Phil Reader was running her that day and he was nice enough to show me the cab. Definitely one of the cleanest and well-kept locomotive cabs I've seen. "Kahuku" was just about operational at this point and had been test-run. I went back a few weeks later and she was running the 'shuttle' on Tuesdays. Kahuku's restoration hadn't really been started when I saw the #7 in pieces in '96, and at that point the talk was display. Then light use, but no Bear Mountain runs. I was very happy to see her put back into operation and looking great too. #7, for a wounded soldier so to speak, still looks visibly better if I remember than the WSL #3. As said in another post, Dixie looked the best and sounded great working up the mountain, so its no surprise to me that she is the favored engines. Not to mention a beautiful one. There's a picture on the web somewhere of the #8 rolled over on its side as stated while working on the West Side.
I've heard rumors about the original West Side engine, a Porter known as "Fido", to be in Texas; San Antonio to be exact. One rumor puts it as a diesel convert at the Six Flags park there; another puts it on display. Anybody know Fido's final disposition?
Anyways, here's the photo I said I've attatched on the first line but I went on with a rant as usual. Enjoy...
-Ed Kelley