Re: GTLRR #8 and #44

Hi Alan,
The #8 is in need of a lot more than tubes. She is very tired from her days at the West Side Lumber Co. If one examines her up close, you can see she wears the scars of being rolled, rebuilt and maintained over the years. The boiler will need a full work up to determine the extent of the repairs necessary. Currently, the #8 has been striped of most of her appliances, although most of this equipment is safely stored. I would love the chance to rebuild the #8 back to running order, but I do not see this as a priority at this time. Maybe some day in the future.
As for the #44, it has been but on the back burner for now. With the closure of of the Loop operations, the priority now is moving all the equipment from the Loop property. The #44 is still a worthwhile project and I feel that it will be rebuilt for service, hopefully in the near future.
After all, it may be needed for whatever railroad it may work for. It is worth more running than not.
I hope this helps.
Phil Reader.
Engineer.
G.L.R.R. Inc.