Seems to me that the story was that it hasn't been used since the 50's in lieu of the plantation locmotive that the OERM supposedly owns, but yet is still on Kimball's property. I doubt that it will be used in the future because of so many other projects going on, and the fact that there is little 36" track there.
I have always loved the OERM because it's relativly close to where I live, and because the collection is so large(200 plus pieces!). It also holds a special place because that's where I first saw a steam engine running in person.